Bounce Back Check Enforcement Program

Greg Bower, Prosecuting Attorney for Ada County, is putting a new emphasis on handling bad checks with a pre-complaint diversion program designed to benefit everyone in Ada County – not just victims of bad checks. Each year, merchants lose millions of dollars to dishonored checks. Dishonored checks affect everyone, pushing the cost of goods higher.

The person who issues a bad check is required to make full restitution to the victim as well as pay a victim’s fee. Those who write bad checks will also pay the fees required to administer the Program. There is no cost for merchants and only minimal cost to the taxpayers and/or local government. Offenders will have one chance to make good on a worthless check. If they don't successfully complete the requirements of the program, they face the possibility of prosecution. Idaho law dictates that stealing by means of passing a bad check can be punishable by a fine and/or time in jail.

As a final requirement of the Program, bad check writers must complete an educational course that teaches them how to manage their finances, which will help them avoid future bad checks. Experience from other jurisdictions shows that this prevention measure works, significantly lowering the number of repeat offenders.

The Check Enforcement Program will return 100% of any check that is recovered plus a victim’s fee.

If an offender fails to comply with the Program, criminal prosecution is always an option and the Prosecutor’s Office is fully prepared to follow through with prosecution.

Greg Bower is looking forward to making this a beneficial program for all of Ada County. “Ultimately, we all pay the cost of this crime because merchants are forced to raise prices to make up for the money that is stolen through bad checks. With the Check Enforcement Program, businesses in Ada County that get involved will benefit directly and everyone will benefit indirectly from fewer bad checks."

Getting involved is a simple process. Merchants and individuals can call toll-free 1-888-524-2996 to receive information about the Check Enforcement Program and receive a Merchants Bad Check Protection Kit or link to their website at http://www.hotchecks.net/Ada.