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• The amount is no more than $5,000 (or multiple checks not exceeding this limit). There are no minimum dollar restrictions.
• It was received in Madera County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and was presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.
• A "Courtesy Notice" was sent to check writer allowing 10 days to make check good.
• A photo I.D. (driver's license, state identification card) was recorded at the time of the transaction.

A check is Ineligible if...

• It is post-dated.
• Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of transaction.
• It is a two-party, stop payment, government, or credit card.
• The victim agreed to hold.
• The identity of the check writer is unknown.
• There is no amount, date, or signature on the check.
• It has not been processed by a bank.
• The numeric and written amounts on check do not match.
• The check involves an "extension of credit" or payment on an account.

Checks ineligible for the Madera County District Attorney Bad Check
Restitution Program may be pursued via Small Claims Court or by a private collection agency.