Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

arrested for a bad check that was really a stopped payment

I was arrested last week for passing a bad check but really I stopped payment on the check (and have proof) for services that were not finished and damage that was done at my home. I have to appear in court next week, I have contacted the prosecutor and left a letter for him from the bank stating that there was a stop payment and a letter asking that the case be dropped because I have done nothing wrong, he refuses to return my calls or speak to me. and as of now the case is not dropped. Should I be worried? and what will happen?


Asked on 1/28/05, 4:24 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: arrested for a bad check that was really a stopped payment

This sounds like a case where the prosecutor will be hearing two sides to the story: You tell him that you stopped payment because of a billing/service dispute and the vendor is saying that you stopped payment in order to get his services for nothing. Because passing bad checks can result in a jail sentence, I would not try to do this by my self. Get a lawyer in your community who is competent to handle criminal cases and get some help. If you don't handle this properly, you could go to jail or prison.

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Answered on 1/28/05, 4:27 pm
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: arrested for a bad check that was really a stopped payment

What city did this happen in? It's not unusual for the Pros to not call you back. It's too early to talk to you. Don't get him angry either. You need to have had the intention of paying the check when you offered it or were under duress when you wrote it.

Call me directly to talk about this - this is a jailable offense and you need to be careful.

Joe Jacobs, Esq.

216-952-1990

216-227-0900

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Answered on 2/01/05, 10:42 am


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