How to determine
a check's
eligibility
for the program.
A check is Eligible if...
- 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 Sonoma 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 the check good.
- A photo I.D. (driver's license, military I.D., 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 the transaction.
- It is an out-of-state, two-party, stop payment, government, rent, or payroll check.
- 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 check involves an "extension of credit" or payment on an account.
- Bankruptcy was filed by the check writer.
Checks ineligible for the Sonoma County District Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program may be pursued via small claims court process or by a private collection agency.