St. Joseph County
Prosecuting Attorney
Bad Check Restitution Program
Michael A. Dvorak, Prosecuting 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 $1,000 (or multiple checks not exceeding this limit). There are no minimum dollar restrictions.
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It was received in St. Joseph County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and was presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.
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A "Statutory Notice" was sent to check writer allowing 10 days to make check good.
- 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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Is a two-party, stop payment, rent, credit card, or payroll 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 numeric and written amounts on check do not match.
- The check involves an "extension of credit" or was payment on an account.
Checks ineligible for the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney Bad Check Restitution Program may be pursued via small claims court or by a private collection agency.