NSF Checks Harris Law

In Michigan, a Non-Sufficient Check charge or NSF Check conviction can be both a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the amount, the number of charges and any prior convictions for similar offenses. Fines and prison time ranging from 93 days and $100.00 to up to 2 years in prison and up to $2000.00 are associated with these convictions and may have a lasting impact on your life and the life of your family. Embarrassing and with far reaching consequences if convicted, it is important that you seek the assistance of an attorney when facing these charges to ensure the best outcome for your case.

Michigan Penal Code

750.131 Check, draft, or order for payment of money; making, drawing, uttering, or delivering without sufficient funds with intent to defraud; violation; penalties; enhanced sentence based on prior convictions.

(1) A person shall not make, draw, utter, or deliver any check, draft, or order for the payment of money, to apply on account or otherwise, upon any bank or other depository with intent to defraud and knowing at the time of the making, drawing, uttering, or delivering that the maker or drawer does not have sufficient funds in or credit with the bank or other depository to pay the check, draft, or order in full upon its presentation.

(2) A person shall not make, draw, utter, or deliver any check, draft, or order for the payment of money, to apply on account or otherwise, upon any bank or other depository with intent to defraud if the person does not have sufficient funds for the payment of the check, draft, or order when presentation for payment is made to the drawee. This subsection does not apply if the lack of funds is due to garnishment, attachment, levy, or other lawful cause and that fact was not known to the person when the person made, drew, uttered, or delivered the check, draft, or order.

(3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a crime as follows:

(a) If the amount payable in the check, draft, or order is less than $100.00, as follows:

(i) For a first offense, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both.

(ii) For an offense following 1 or more prior convictions under this section or a local ordinance substantially corresponding to this section, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00, or both.

(b) If the amount payable in the check, draft, or order is $100.00 or more but less than $500.00, as follows:

(i) For a first or second offense, a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a fine of not more than $1,000.00 or 3 times the amount payable, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

(ii) For an offense following 2 or more prior convictions under this section, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00, or both. For purposes of this subparagraph, however, a prior conviction does not include a conviction for a violation or attempted violation of subdivision (a).

(c) If the amount payable in the check, draft, or order is $500.00 or more, a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or 3 times the amount payable, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and a fine.

If you are looking for an attorney, call Harris Law today at 231.347.4444 for a free consultation or simply fill out the form below: