Bad Check Restitution Program

In an effort to combat the negative impact of bad checks passed to local businesses, the Boulder County District Attorney's Office organized the Bad Check Resititution Program.

The primary goal of the program is to obtain full restitution for the victim without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.

There are three steps in the process for business owners:

1. Make personal contact with the check writer; if you are unsuccessful, send a courtesy notice giving the check writer 10 days to respond and remit payment.
2. If you do not hear from the check writer or receive payment, contact the Bad Check Restitution Program at (866) 292-3584 for a bad check crime report form.
3. Fill out the crime report form, attach originals (retain photocopies) of all checks and notification documents, such as return receipts and bank notices and mail to:
   Boulder County District Attorney
   Bad Check Restitution Program
   PMB #227
   1630 A 30th St.
   Boulder, CO 80301

A check is eligible for the program if:

• The amount is no more than $1,500 (or multiple checks not exceeding that amount).  There are no minimum dollar restrictions.
• It was received in Boulder County and deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.
• A "courtesy notice" is sent to the check writer allowing 10 days to make the check good.
• It is submitted to the program no earlier than 31 days, but no later than 90 days from the date on the check.
• A photo ID (driver's license, military ID, state identification card) was recorded at the time of the transaction.

A check is not eligible if:

• It is stolen.
• It is post-dated.
• Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of the transaction.
• It is an out-of-state, two party, stop payment, rent, government, or payroll check.
• The identity of the check wrtiter is unknown.
• There is no amount, date, or signature on the check.
• It has not been processed by a bank.
• The check involves an "extension of credit" or was payment on an account.

Last Updated on Thursday, 13 April 2006 08:11