In Florida, US. Passing a worthless check for an amount under $150 is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
If the amount of the worthless check is $150 or more, the charge is considered a third-degree felony that can mean up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Importantly, prosecutors are allowed to aggregate the amount of passed worthless checks in order to raise the charged offense. For example, if you have passed four $50 worthless checks within a week, you can be charged with either four first-degree misdemeanors or a single third-degree felony.
In addition to criminal penalties, the law allows victims of worthless checks to sue for civil damages. As long as a victim delivers a demand for payment as set out in the law, civil damages may include restitution for the full amount of each passed check; court costs, fees and assessments; and a fine of three times the amount of the worthless check for a maximum amount of $500
Please keep in mind, is always a good thing to be well inform regarding laws and regulations.
