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WORTHLESS CHECK DIVISION
Procedure When Accepting A Check
- Establish a firm policy regarding the cashing of checks for
amounts over the cost of the merchandise. If you permit this,
assign the responsibility for approving such checks to specific
employees.
- Require a valid check, with all items of information legibly
filled in, including the maker’s address, place of employment and
telephone number, complete date, and the same amount expressed in
numerals and words. Post Office Box numbers must be accompanied by
an address where maker resides.
- Require the check to be signed in the presence of an
employee. If the employee can’t read the maker’s signature, ask
him or her to write it again.
- Require identification. Don’t hesitate to compare the
photograph or description on the identification to the person, and
to compare the signature to that on the check. BE SURE ALL
IDENTIFICATION IS CORRECT. If the person presenting the check
refuses to give identification, or there is insufficient
identification, don’t cash the check.
- An employee should record all identification numbers on the
check itself, and should place his initials on the check when he
accepts it. There is almost no chance of conviction if the person
who accepts the check cannot identify the maker of the check in
court.
- Don’t accept an undated or post-dated check.
- Never hold a check for over thirty days before presenting
it to the bank for payment, and if the bank returns it, take
immediate action.
Procedure When A Check Is Returned
In order for the 7th Judicial District Attorney to effectively
prosecute offenders under Revised Statutes 14:71, Issuing Worthless
Checks and 16:15, Issuing Worthless Checks, it has adopted the
following policies.
- The holder of the check must present it to the named bank
for payment even in those instances when it is known that the
check will not be honored.
- The bank, upon returning a “Hot Check” will attach a bank
flag or will stamp the check indicating why the check was not
honored. The flag should be left attached to the check.
- The holder must give a 10 day written notice by certified
mail, return receipt requested, to the maker, informing him that
the check was not honored by the bank and should set forth the
reason as noted on the flag. A copy of the written notice must be
made and retained by the complainant. The letter must state that
the maker has ten days after receiving this notice to make good,
or the check will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office
for collection.
Checks To Avoid
Under Louisiana Law, the District Attorney’s Office will not file a
criminal complaint for the following type of checks:
- Checks where a ten day notice was not given by certified
mail/return receipt requested.
- A signed postal receipt or returned letter that is
undeliverable.
- A copy of the 10 day letter.
- The name of the person who accepted the check and who can
identify the person who passed the same.
- Complete verified address. Post Office box numbers must be
accompanied by an address where maker resides.
- Louisiana Driver’s license number.
- Military Unit and home address must be on all checks given
by persons in the service.
Click here for Worthless Check Complaint Form –
(PDF File)
Who Do I Contact?
Catahoula Parish
Physical Address: 301 Bushley St., 3rd
Floor, Harrisonburg, LA 71340
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 597, Attn: Worthless Checks,
Harrisonburg, LA 71340
Phone: (318) 744-5232 – Fax: (318) 744-9587
Hugh Matthews, Supervisor at hmatthews@7thjda.org
Laine Neal, Collection Officer at lneal@7thjda.org
Concordia Parish
Physical Address: 4001 Carter St., 1st Floor, Vidalia, LA 71373
Mailing Address: 4001 Carter St., Suite D, Attn. Worthless
Checks, Vidalia, LA 71373
Phone: (318) 336-4608 – Fax (318) 336-8667
Hugh Matthews, Supervisor at hmatthews@7thjda.org
Sandra Ruble, Collection Officer at sruble@7thjda.org
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