Bad Checks Arrested? Get a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer on Your Side

Las Vegas Bad Checks Lawyer

Passing bad checks is a serious crime in Las Vegas. The check writer can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the amount. Not only that, the check writer is penalized with enormous fees, often exceeding the amount that the check writer should’ve paid for.

The first option in a defense strategy is to negotiate. Otherwise, your attorney is prepared to fight for you all the way to the trial. Learn about bad checks laws in Las Vegas to understand the charges filed against you.

Bad Checks Law Definition

It is considered a crime to pass checks if you do not have enough funds in the bank to pay for it. Particularly, any person who “willfully, with intent to defraud, draws, or passes a check or draft to obtain:

Money
Services
Delivery of other valuable property
Use of property or
Credit extended by any licensed gaming establishment (Casino Markers)

Drawn upon any fictitious or real person, firm, bank, corporation, partnership, or depositary, when the person has insufficient money, credit, property with the drawee of the instrument to pay it in full upon its presentation is guilty of a crime.

Intent to Defraud

The key element in the crime of passing bad checks is intent to defraud. This statute means that you have committed no crime if you honestly did not mean to pass a bad check. However, the law in Nevada is inherently unfair. The state law presumes that you intended to defraud once your account has insufficient funds when you passed the check.

Penalties

The sentence for issuing bad checks depend on how much money it was made out for:

Less than $250

If the issued bad check was for less than $250 total, the offense is a misdemeanor. It is possible to petition to seal the misdemeanor charge 2 years after the case is closed.

Possible 6 months imprisonment
$1,000 fines and
Restitution of the check amount.

A 4^th conviction for bad check is treated as Category D Felony offense, this conviction can be sealed 12 years after the case is closed. The penalties are:

Restitution of the check amount
Possible imprisonment for 1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison
Fines up to $5,000

More than $250

Writing bad checks for more than $250 is a Category B Felony. There is a possibility to seal the records 12 years after the case is closed.

Restitution of the check amount
Possible imprisonment for 1 to 4 years in Nevada State Prison
Fines up to $5,000

There are cases when the check was used for payment of wages and the penalty is less serious. The punishment is a gross misdemeanor. Possible to seal records 7 years after the case is closed. The penalties include:

Possible imprisonment for up to 1 year and/or
Fines up to $ 2,000

Bounced Check Defense

Explore the possibilities of getting your bad check charges dismissed or reduced. You can avoid the consequences of bad check charges: criminal and civil penalties altogether, with legal help from a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney.

References:

https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-205.html#NRS205Sec132

Possible Defenses

There are several possible defenses available despite the strict bad check laws. These are your possible defenses that your attorney can use to defend against your charges:

Illness or another emergency situation.
Technically, emergency situations are not really defenses to against bad check charges. However, this can act as leverage in plea bargain negotiations. There are also chances that the court will issue less severe penalties.
Sufficient funds.
You are not held criminally liable if your bank account had sufficient funds at the time you passed the check. Showing bank statements that you had the money can help to cause the charges to be dropped.
Payment within 5 days.

The charges will be dropped if payment is made within 5 days of notice that the check bounced.

Seek help with an experienced lawyer about your bad check allegations. The charges for bad checks both have criminal and civil penalties.

Continue Reading Read Less

Contact Us

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Goodman Law Group at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy

Why Choose Us: Expertise, Dedication, Results

Comprehensive Criminal Defense
Whether facing charges for DUI, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses, Goodman Law Group provides aggressive representation with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients in both state and federal courts.
Local Expertise, National Impact
As a lifelong Las Vegas resident, Ross C. Goodman’s deep knowledge of local laws, courts, and legal professionals gives his clients a distinct advantage, while his nationally recognized legal skills elevate his reputation beyond the state.
Proven Track Record
With nearly 30 years of experience and a history of high-profile victories, Ross C. Goodman is a top-tier criminal defense attorney, known for securing dismissals, "Not Guilty" verdicts, and favorable resolutions.
Personalized, Successful Defense
Every case at Goodman Law Group is handled with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring personalized strategies that have resulted in reduced sentences, acquittals, and alternative legal resolutions for thousands of clients.

Client Success Stories

"He makes things happen, and he has all the connections for the best outcome."
Ross is a phenomenal lawyer!! He helped us out of a rough situation and we will be forever grateful. The charges were reduced greatly and we only have to complete classes following a DUI, which was 3x over the limit. He makes things happen, and he has all the connections for the best outcome. We are ecstatic over the outcome of our case. We will always recommend Ross, to anyone and everyone!

- Allison P.
"Ross Goodman was my light in one of the darkest moments of my life"
Ross Goodman was my light in one of the darkest moments of my life. His kindness, strength, and unwavering support gave me hope when I had none left. I’ll never forget what he did for me.

- Helen W.
"Thanks to Mr. Goodman, my situation was resolved with the best possible outcome, and in record time! If you're looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Vegas, he's THE guy."
I cannot say enough good things about Mr. Goodman. After being arrested at EDC, I contacted him to represent me in the resulting case. I was terrified of the potential consequences, but he worked his magic and got the case completely DISMISSED - an outcome that I never even dreamed of!

After consulting with a few other lawyers in the Vegas area, Mr. Goodman's professionalism was a breath of fresh air. He clearly knows the law and is very well connected in the city. Above all else, he relentlessly projects power and confidence in his conversations, a critical trait that every lawyer should have. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have negotiating on my behalf.

Thanks to Mr. Goodman, my situation was resolved with the best possible outcome, and in record time! If you're looking for a criminal defense lawyer in Vegas, he's THE guy.

- George O.
"He really saved my future and reputation!"
So thankful for Mr. Ross Goodman taking on my case. Sometimes bad things happen even to good people and you're left to make decisions that could affect your livelihood. I knew going into my case I wanted the best lawyer defending me and the best is Ross.

- Taniel C.
"Don't hesitate, hire him immediately!"
I had met with Ross in his office and within three seconds I knew I had to hire him. His right hand Tiffanie was professional and friendly and kept me informed of all court dates, which Ross appeared twice on my behalf without me even having to show up. I

- Candice R.
"You don't find lawyers like him every day."
If someone wants competence, experience, straightforwardness, and results along with a great personality then they need Ross Goodman. He's the only attorney I would recommend. The quality I received with Ross cannot be overstated. He's the best!

- Rianna W.
"We are extremely grateful!"
Ross Goodman and his team took care of us during a very uncertain time and helped to guide us through the entire legal process. We greatly appreciate how his team, especially Tiffanie, communicated with us and went above and beyond on our behalf. We are extremely grateful! Thank you Ross!

- Susan L.
"I switched and hired Mr. Goodman and could not have been more impressed with the outcome. You do get what you pay for."
I met with Mr. Goodman who answered all my questions and knew his stuff. I decided to hire a less expensive attorney but was not happy with the progress ended up being a waste of money with the other guy. I switched and hired Mr. Goodman and could not have been more impressed with the outcome. You do get what you pay for. I should have gone with my gut reaction at the beginning that would have saved me anxiety, time, and money. Don’t make the same mistake.

- Tim H.

View All Reviews

Ready to Get Started?

Request Your Free Consultation Today

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Goodman Law Group at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy