Expert: Robin Sexton - 8/28/2009

Question
What is the charge for making a payment to a college with a check from a closed acct and receiving a refund? How long from the time the school files a complaint in court will it take for charges to be filed or an arrest warrant issued? Do u know what the penalty is? What are ways to resolve this issue?

Answer
Donald,

First each state will be different so i will have to give it as a general statement.  The no account check is normally is a felony in most states as compared to an insufficient fund check.  The fact that there was a refund is probably moot.  The time frame to report, investigate and the  charge also will vary greatly by state.  it could be a few months to a few years depending on the policies and procedures of both the school and the jurisdiction involved.  How do you mitigate the issue.  Actually fairly simple, pay back any money owed, return the refund and pay any penalty before the issue is reported or charged.

Hope that helps and good luck

robin