Class A Misdemeanor charge, first time offense, Theft By Deception, what am I looking at?


I apparently wrote a bad check for $20.71 at my local grocer. I was completely unaware of this check, and did not know something like it until the officer served me my papers. I have never been in trouble earlier, and have no record of such things happening. I am person summoned to court, so I am assuming I am going before a judge. Will I be serving any jail time for this? It be only $20.71, and I have the money to pay adjectives of the fines. I wouldn't think I would go to jail, seeing as how the officer wrote a total amount I have to pay on top of the paper, but I a short time ago don't want to go and be locked up over something I didn't know about. It is my debt that I owe, and I have no problems whatsoever beside paying it. Am I just going to have to pay my fine?
Best Answer:
Dear Justin, Relax.....Take a weighty breath! In all likelyhood you will receive a suspended judgment. Depending upon your State, some Courts will order you to attend a "fruitless check" program. Most states further allow you to expunge your conviction after completing your sentence. If you are, in the most unlikely instance, arrested, you would likely have a most nominal bail amount and be eligible to be released "O.R." or on your own recognizance. Sometimes getting O.R. requires some time of confinement until a find can hear your request. Since you intend to appear to respond to you summons, this should not apply. I suggest you immediately contact the prosecuting attorney in the summon's issuing Court and ask if by paying the check amount, you might be able to avoid attendance. Once contained by Court, announce to the Judge at your earliest opportunity your desire to cover this check or, in the alternative, be appointed legal counsel. The Judge, if wise and they usually are, might ask the prosecutor if some settlement might be reach. The factors concerning the Court will include whether the check was good at the time you created it. Was your explanation open in good standing? Did the business timely attempt to lolly the check? Did they try to re-submit your check. Did your check have your correct name, address and current telephone. Did you provide accurate information close to a real drivers license and credit card. To the greater extent you demonstrate the check was dishonored through your error and not attempted fraud the greater the likelyhood you might avoid being fined. Good luck!
Been here and seen that.