Is 476 a PC a felony?

Is 476 a PC a felony?

Penal Code 476 PC prohibits a person from making, writing or passing a fake or fraudulent check. The offense of check fraud can be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony and carries a maximum sentence of up to 3 years in jail.

What is PC 476A?

Writing or passing “bad checks” is a serious criminal offense under California Penal Code Section 476A PC. The defendant willfully used or attempted to use a check on a bank, business or person for the payment of money. The defendant acted for himself or on another’s behalf.

Can I go to jail for cashing a fake check?

According to federal laws, intentionally depositing a fake check to get money that is not yours is an act of fraud. Just like any other act of fraud, you can go to jail or face fines. Being found guilty of misdemeanor check fraud charges usually includes a fine while a felony results in jail time.

Can you go to jail for forgery?

Common Penalties for Forgery Offenses Forgery is considered a felony in all fifty states and is punishable by a range of penalties including jail or prison time, significant fines, probation, and restitution (compensating the victim for money or goods stolen as a result of the forgery).

What is passing bad check?

A bad check refers to a check that cannot be negotiated because it is drawn on a nonexistent account or has insufficient funds. The punishment for trying to pass a bad check intentionally ranges from a misdemeanor to a felony. The exact penalty depends on the amount and the state in which the check is written.

What crime is altering a check?

Check Fraud
Check Fraud Overview As defined in California Penal Code Section 476, check fraud occurs when a person makes, possess, passes, uses, or attempts to use a false or altered legal writing, namely a check, for the payment of money or property. The sentence and punishment for check fraud in California is severe.

Is bouncing a check criminal?

A bounced check typically becomes a criminal matter when the person who wrote it did so intending to commit fraud, such as writing several bad checks in a short time frame knowing there is no money to cover them. This can be seen as a felony in many states, especially when the checks are for more than $500.

Can a fake check clear?

If you deposit a fake check, it can take weeks before the bank realizes that it’s counterfeit. Your check may clear within one or two days, and you can withdraw the check amount, but that doesn’t mean the check is necessarily legitimate.

Do ATMs take fake checks?

Despite a decline in paper-check usage, check fraud continues to be a problem, even at the ATM. Imaged ATMs could open doors for new types of fraud, such as increased attempts to deposit counterfeit checks.

What happens if you commit forgery?

Penalties for Forgery in California The maximum state penalty for felony forgery is 16 months in state prison or 2-3 years in a county jail. They also may be required to pay restitution and up to $10,000 in fine. A misdemeanor forgery conviction typically faces a year in county jail plus smaller financial penalties.