Everyone makes financial mistakes. Maybe you miscalculated your balance, forgot about an automatic payment, or simply made a math error. But in Missouri, writing a bad check — a check that bounces because there aren’t enough funds in your account — can lead to criminal charges as well as civil penalties.

If you’re facing charges in Kansas City for writing a bad check, don’t wait — call KC Defense Counsel today and talk to one of our experienced Missouri criminal defense lawyers and let us help you begin building your defense.

We can help you understand the charges, the penalties and what you’re facing down the road. We can help.

WHAT ARE MISSOURI’S LAWS ON PASSING BAD CHECKS?

Under Missouri Revised Statutes 570.120, it’s illegal to issue a check you know will not be honored by the bank. This is often called issuing a bad check or passing a bad check.

Prosecutors must prove that you:

Knew at the time you wrote the check that your account had insufficient funds, or
Wrote the check on a closed account.

If the check bounces by mistake but you quickly make it right, you may avoid criminal prosecution. But if you ignore it or if prosecutors believe you acted intentionally, the consequences can escalate quickly.

MISDEMEANOR PENALTIES FOR BAD CHECKS IN MISSOURI

The penalties depend on the amount of the check:

Checks under $750 are usually treated as misdemeanors.
Class A misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $2,000.

Even though this is a misdemeanor, a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and housing.

FELONY PENALTIES FOR BAD CHECKS IN MISSOURI

Writing bad checks in larger amounts or under aggravating circumstances can lead to felony charges:

Checks $750 or more: Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Repeat offenders: Prior bad check convictions can escalate new charges into felonies even if the amounts are smaller.

Special cases: Writing a bad check for certain expenses, like rent or utilities, may carry enhanced penalties.

CIVIL LIABILITY FOR PASSING BAD CHECKS IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI

Even if you avoid criminal charges, Missouri law allows the person or business you wrote the check to sue you in civil court. You may have to pay:

The original amount of the check.
Additional damages of up to $100 or twice the value of the check.
Court costs and attorney fees.

This means a $200 bad check could cost you hundreds more once civil penalties are added.

DEFENSES TO PASSING BAD CHECK CHARGES

Not every bounced check equals a crime. An experienced Kansas City defense attorney may be able to argue:

Lack of intent: You didn’t know the funds were insufficient.

Bank error: The check bounced due to a processing mistake, not your fault.

Immediate repayment: You covered the check as soon as you learned about the problem.

Insufficient evidence: Prosecutors can’t prove you knowingly wrote a bad check.

Many bad check cases can also be resolved through restitution agreements, where you repay the money and charges may be reduced or dismissed.

WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY

Bad check charges may seem minor, but they can:

Leave you with a fraud-related criminal record, which hurts employment prospects.
Lead to fines, restitution, and even jail time.
Spiral into felony charges if the amounts are higher or you have prior offenses.

A skilled criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City can negotiate with prosecutors, fight for reduced charges, or challenge the evidence in court. In many cases, an attorney can help resolve the matter before it permanently impacts your record.

At KC Defense Counsel, our affordable Kansas City bad check charges defense attorneys have helped Kansas City clients resolve bad check charges quickly and effectively — protecting their records, their reputations, and their futures.

If you’ve been charged with writing a bad check in Missouri, don’t wait. Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyer and let us fight to protect your rights.

Writing a bad check in Missouri can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the amount and circumstances.
Misdemeanor penalties: Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Felony penalties: Up to 4 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Civil penalties may also apply, adding financial burdens.
A Missouri defense attorney can help negotiate repayment or fight the charges.

Every criminal case is unique, but one thing is always true—you need a lawyer who will fight for your future. At KC Defense Counsel, we combine aggressive courtroom strategies with personal, one-on-one attention to every client. We know Kansas City courts, the law, and the tactics prosecutors use, and we work tirelessly to level the playing field. Don’t wait—call KC Defense Counsel today and let us start protecting your freedom immediately.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri and let us help begin building your defense. Let us help.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Always consult qualified counsel regarding your unique situation.