Tennessee Worthless Check Defense Lawyers
WORTHLESS CHECKS
The crime of passing a worthless check is punishable as theft in the state of Tennessee. The impact that a worthless check charge can have on your life is significant. Our Tennessee theft lawyers have experience and a successful track record handling these types of cases. Call us today if you have been charged with this crime.
Tennessee law states that an individual commits the crime of passing worthless checks if he or she intentionally:
- Issues or passes a check or similar sight order with the knowledge that there are not enough funds on deposit to pay it and other outstanding checks in full; or
- Stops payment on a check, provided the items or services bought were represented at the time the check was issued. (Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-121)
With regard to proving intent, the statute allows "fraudulent intent" to be inferred if there was no bank account when the check was written or passed or if the person did not pay up within 10 days after being notified that the check was rejected by the bank. Still, another provision of this statute also states that it does not apply to a "post-dated" or any other kind of check or if the drawee (the bank) had good reason to believe that the person who wrote the check did not have sufficient funds on deposit when the check was made.
In Tennessee, passing worthless checks is treated the same as theft. The amount of money on the check on the date of issue represents the value of the theft for purposes of assessing the punishment. Passing worthless checks is:
- A Class A misdemeanor if the value of check is $500 or less
- A Class E felony if the value of the property unlawfully obtained is more than $500, but less than $1,000
- A Class D felony if the value on the face of the check is $1,000 or more, but less than $10,000
- A Class C felony if the value of the property or services unlawfully obtained is $10,000 or more but less than $60,000.
- A Class B felony if the value of property or services unlawfully obtained is $60,000 or more.
(Source: Tennessee Code Annotated Section 39-14-105)
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Just as in a theft charge, a worthless checks charge can have a negative impact on your reputation. It raises questions and doubts about your honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. It could jeopardize your career prospects, job and your future. The stakes are just too high to wait any longer. If you or someone you love is facing a worthless checks charge, please contact an experienced Knoxville theft crime defense attorney at Baker Associates to discuss your legal rights and options.
Complete the form below if you have been charged with passing worthless checks. A Sevierville theft defense attorney at our office near Knoxville and Pigeon Forge will contact you soon.
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Knox County
2126 First Tennessee Plaza
800 South Gay Street
Knoxville, Tennessee 37929
Phone: 865-521-0001
Sevier County
121 Court Avenue
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
Phone: 865-428-2888
Washington County
300 East Main Street
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
