Originally Posted by
MalteseX
This is NOT a big deal, if it is as you say (ie no more to the story that you haven't mentioned). Remember, the "agency" only wants their money, not the hassle of other things. One thing that you didn't mention is the amount of the check. THAT is a factor as well.
Remember, you haven't been CHARGED with anything--- you can't be charged through the mail. There may be an arrest warrant out for you though... DO NOT contact the sheriff just to be safe. Contact a local attorney first.
Think "What would Bill Clinton do?"
DO -- Contact a local lawyer.
DO -- Keep SILENT (ie do not speak with anyone but said lawyer above) By talking to anyone else, you are only hurting your chances of getting this COMPLETELY erased.
DO NOT --- Contact the sheriff
DO NOT --- Contact the bank
DO NOT --- Offer ANY sort of apology etc.
DO -- CHANGE BANKS; Many banks offer programs to keep you from getting into this situation. Your current bank sucks if they don't offer overdraft protection.
This is not a big deal (I guess depending on your state -- California no big deal; Virginia or Texas, maybe a bigger deal) Remember they only want their money... an attorney can make deals for you (remember, get one locally).
This will go away. An unintentional mistake is NOT a crime.
What he said.
This is a crime if you intentionally issued a bad check with the intent of defruading someone. In your case it sounds like a math error exacerbated by the bank not being able to contact you via mail (did they try your phone or email?).
DEFINATELY hire a lawyer and attempt to make this go away. It would be worth a significant amount of money to beat this. If it goes to trial and you somehow lose, the chances of someone like you going to jail for this are zero (in 99% of the US).
If you do somehow end up with a conviction on your record, then you can own up, be apologetic, and take responsibility.
But ask the lawyer.