1. Make personal contact with the check writer; if you are unsuccessful, send a demand for payment notice. The check writer has 10 days to respond and remit payment.
   Sample Demand for Payment

2. If you do not hear from the check writer or receive payment, simply contact the Bad Check Restitution Program at 800-831-6577 for a bad check crime report form.

3. Fill out the crime report form, attach originals (you retain photocopies) of all checks and notification documents, such as return receipts and bank notices and mail to:

Howard County State's Attorney
Bad Check Restitution Program

P.O. Box 570
Ellicott City, MD 21041-0570
(postal address only)

If you do not receive restitution within 90 days, contact the
Howard County State's Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program.