• When a check has been returned to you from the bank for insufficient funds or because the account has been closed, try to collect the check by sending written notice to the check writer that the check did not clear and demanding payment.

• If you have not received payment within 30 days, bring or send by mail the original check, a copy of any letters demanding payment, and the Bad Check Form and Probable Cause Statement below. Send a completed Bad Check Form and PC Statement for EACH bad check submitted.

• Upon receipt of the above, this office will send a demand letter.

• If this office does not receive payment within thirty days of the demand letter, we will then review the bad check to determine if criminal charges can be brought. If we can file charges, you may be required to appear in court and testify.

• When the office does receive payment, we will then forward the payment on to you.

• The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office will accept restitution payments on behalf of every victim.

• We will instruct all defendants to make a money order payable to our office and then deliver a check to you..

• Do not accept payment after the check has been sent to our office. By doing so you may compromise our collection efforts and criminal prosecution.

No.

• Identify the check writer by photographic I.D., preferably by their Missouri Driver's License or Non-Driver I.D. Ensure that the photo matches the check writer.

• Take as much information about the person passing the check as possible. Including: social security number, current address, date of birth and phone number.

• Make sure the check is filled out in your presence.

• Do not accept postdated checks.

• Do not accept two-party checks (i.e. a check that is made payable to someone other than the person or business accepting the check, such as payroll checks).

• Do not accept a "held check" where the check writer tells you that the funds will be deposited at a later date.

• The filing of bankruptcy does NOT stop the prosecutor's office from prosecuting criminal bad check writers.

• The filing of bankruptcy can affect the collection of restitution in a criminal check case, but does not prohibit obtaining a criminal conviction.

• Come to the Prosecuting Attorney's office at the Joplin Courthouse. A representative from the office will meet with you, show remaining balances, and provide receipts for monies paid.

• All restitution payments will be accepted by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Do not try to pay restitution with the Circuit Court Clerk’s office or with the County Assessor (who are also located in the courthouse).

• You will need to have a money order or cashier’s check made payable to "Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney"

• Our office CANNOT accept cash, check or any method of payment other than money order or cashier check.