If I accept a check for payment of merchandise or services and the bank returns the check due to insufficient funds, what can I do?

It is preferred that you contact the Solicitor’s Worthless Check Unit at 843-545-3169. This agency will completely process the bad check for you. Otherwise, you may present bad checks to the Magistrate’s Court to have a courtesy summons issued if the following stipulations have been met:

  • You deposited the check within ten days after the party wrote the check.
  • The party wrote the check within the last 180 days (roughly 6 months).
  • The bank did not pay the check due to Insufficient Funds, Account Closure, No Account, etc.
  • You sent a Notice of Dishonor to the payer by certified mail giving that person 10 days to pay the check and returned check fees due (a maximum of $25 for checks under $100 or a maximum of $30 for checks over $100).
  • You must present the check, a copy of the Notice of Dishonor and the certified receipt to the court before the issuance of an arrest warrant. It is advisable to have a street address for the person who wrote the check.

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1. Is there a difference between "Summary Court" and "Magistrate Court?"
2. What kind of civil cases does Magistrate Court hear?
3. Can I receive a jury trial in Magistrate Court?
4. How do I file a criminal case?
5. If I accept a check for payment of merchandise or services and the bank returns the check due to insufficient funds, what can I do?