Merchants, consumers and law enforcement must be concerned about the negative impact of bad checks passed to local businesses. This ongoing problem costs everyone millions of dollars annually. Merchants lose income. Consumers face higher prices associated with this ongoing problem. All of us face higher taxes for enforcement and prosecution costs to counter this continuing problem.

As your State's Attorney, I want to help correct this serious situation. The Bad Check Resitution Program is one way of fighting the losses suffered by merchants who fall prey to bad check writers. The main aim of the program is to get full restitution for the victim without adding to the budgetary burden of the criminal justice system.

Those who are first time bad check writers are given the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by attending a mandatory intervention class, in addition to paying restitution. All of this is done without cost to the taxpayers.

Your involvement and interest in this special program will help all law-abiding residents and help improve the profitability of your business. So, help me help the economic climate in Prince George's County.