Is it a crime for someone to write a check with intentions of later stopping it?
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Is it a crime for someone to write a check with intentions of later stopping it?
I am a mover and provide moving service at an hourly rate. I recently had a customer refused to pay and called the sheriff because we presented a bill after 90% of his belongings were unloaded. Payment was due as agreed before the reminding 10% was unloaded. We asked only to be paid in cash due to the customer’s behavior and foul language towards the movers. When the sheriff arrived, he told and forced us to accept a check which the customer gladly wrote and of course stopped later. If we refused to accept the check, could that officer had taken action against us like he threatened to?
Asked on January 22, 2013 under Business Law, Florida
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Good question. Under the laws of all states in this country when a person writes a check with the intent to get an item but also with the intent to stop payment on it, such is a criminal and civil wrong.
What the police officer told you was wrong. Given the circumstances you had the right to refuse the check and demand cash.
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