If you find yourself in a situation where you have received a bad check, (a check written by the holder of a legitimate account that either has insufficient funds or has been closed,) the following information is the Sheriff's Office guidelines and criteria for reporting the situation.

As of April, 2000, the 18th Judicial District, District Attorneys Office has accepted and implemented the Bad Check Program, which will handle all fraud by check and bad checks that fall into the following categories:

• The check amount is no more than $5000.00 or multiple checks issued by the same person not exceeding $5000.00. There is no minimum dollar amount.
• Check was received within the 18th Judicial District, deposited and processed by the bank in exchange for goods or services presumed “good” at the time the check was issued.
• A “courtesy notice” is sent by certified mail to the check writer allowing 10 days to make the check good. (Recommended but not required.)
• The check is submitted to the Bad Check Program no earlier than 31 days but not to exceed 90 days from date check was issued.
• A photo I.D., (driver’s license, military I.D. or state I.D.) numbers are recorded on the check and /or dob of the check writer.
• Checks that are returned “Closed Account” or insufficient funds.

If the check(s) fall into the above categories you may call the District Attorney’s Bad Check Office at 1-800-722-6952.

Checks that will NOT be accepted by the D.A.’s Bad Check Program:

• Checks that are stolen.
• Post-dated or made out to “cash”.
• Both parties knew there were insufficient funds in the account at time check was issued.
• Two party, stop payment, rent, government issued, payroll or traveler checks.
• Identity of the check writer is unknown.
• There is no amount, date, or signature on the check.
• Faxed checks.
• The check has not been processed by the bank.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will accept and prosecute the following checks over $5000.00:

• Checks that are presented for prosecution within 60 days of the date check was written.
• Checks that are stamped twice by the bank, account did not exist or has been closed for more than 30 days.
• Only checks that have a recorded valid Colorado D.L. or Colorado I.D. number or subjects date of birth or where the party accepting the check knew the check writer.
• Personal information on person who accepted the check, if different from reporting party and that person must be able to testify that the picture on the I.D. presented matched the description of the person signing the check.
• Only checks that are pre-printed with the name and address of the signer or business. The check must be signed with a first and last name.

A report should be made on stolen, forged, and counterfeit checks received and/or issued within Douglas County.

The following checks over $5000.00 will NOT be accepted for investigation by D.C.S.O.:

• Checks drawn on out of state bank accounts.
• Postdated checks or where the check taker has agreed to hold onto the check for an undisclosed length of time.
• Checks given as an installment payment.
• Rent checks, other than first months rent.
• Guaranteed checks, unless the checks exceed the amount of guarantee.
• Checks given as restitution or to satisfy any part of a civil judgment or given as a deposit or earnest money.
• Partial restitution has been made on the check.
• Three party checks.
• Faxed checks.
• Stop payment checks in most cases.

Any questions concerning a bad check or requests for prosecution, please contact our High Tech Crimes Unit at 303-784-7800.

For additional information, please e-mail: dcso@douglas.co.us