Alameda County District Attorney
Bad Check Restitution Program
Nancy E. O'Malley, District Attorney
How to Determine a Check's
Eligibility for the Program.
A check is Eligible if...
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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.
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It was received in Alameda 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 the check writer allowing 10 days to make check good.
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A photo I.D. (driver’s license or state identification card) was recorded at the
time of transaction
A check is Ineligible if...
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It is post-dated.
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Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of transaction.
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It is a two-party, credit card, payroll, or rent (residential or commercial) check.
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The identity of the check writer is unknown.
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There is no amount, date or signature on the check.
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The check has not been processed by a bank.
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The numeric and written amounts on the check do not match.
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The check involves an “extension of credit” or was payment on an account.
Checks ineligible for the Alameda County District Attorney's
Bad
Check Restitution Program may be pursued through Small
Claims Court
or by a private collection agency.