WORTHLESS CHECKS
In Terrebonne Parish, merchants lose millions of dollars because of bad checks. Consumers share in these losses through higher prices.

The District Attorney's Office has a Worthless Check Enforcement Program to track down bad check writers, return the money to the victims, and deter future offenses through a diversion program and possible criminal prosecution.

Aside from benefiting merchants and consumers, this program is designed to remove some of the load from an overburdened court system.

This dynamic program creates a new partnership between our office and the business community; it provides new avenues to obtain restitution, to protect the public, and to seek justice.
HOW TO APPLY
  • To participate in the program, victims should obtain a Worthless Check Report form from the District Attorney's office.
  • The victim must fill out a Worthless Check Report for each individual writer. Multiple checks by the same writer may be listed on one form.
  • Victims must forward the original bad check along with a completed Worthless Check Report form to the program immediately.
  • Incomplete forms will be returned and will cause a delay in processing the case.
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RESTITUTION
  • When a bad check writer pays restitution to the District Attorney's Office, the funds will be recorded by computer and deposited into a trust account. Restitution will be sent to the victim as soon as processing is completed.
  • Once the victim has submitted a bad check to the program, restitution can not be accepted from anyone other than the Distnct Attorney's Office.
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SAFEGUARDS AGAINST BAD CHECKS
  • Does the check have a low number or no printed number? About 90% of bad checks are drawn on new accounts. If check numbers are lower than 125 or are handwritten, use extra caution.
  • Is the date on the check accurate?
  • Does the word amount match the number amount?
  • Does the name of the payee appear to be changed?
  • Is the check imprinted?
  • Does the signature match?
  • Always insist on identification.
  • Write information on the front of the check. Bank stamps may cover up valuable information written on the backs of checks.
  • Write the initials of the check receiver on the front of the check.
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SPEAKERS AND INFORMATION
For more information regarding the Worthless Check Enforcement Program, call 873-6868 between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or write to:

District Attorney's Office
Worthless Check Enforcement Program
118 Armour Dr.
Houma, LA 70364
The District Attorney's Office will provide speakers to interested groups who want to learn more about the topics mentioned in this pamphlet or will provide additional copies of this or other pamphlets by calling 873-6868.
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WORKING WITH IDs
Compare the name, address, and signature on the license with those on the check. Compare the photo on the license with the person presenting the check. This MUST be done every time a check is accepted.

Primary Identification
  • Louisiana Driver's License
    • Write the Driver ID# on the check
  • State Of Louisiana ID
  • Military Identification card
Secondary Identification
  • Work identification with photo
  • Credit card with name matching the one on the check AND on the primary identification
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ELIGIBILITY
Any person who receives a bad check is eligible to participate in the program if the following conditions are met:
  • The check must have been written within the Parish of Terrebonne.
  • The amount of the check must be $5.00 or more.
  • Proof of a written notice by certified mail in the United States Postal System addressed to the defendant either at the address shown on the check or the last known address for which the check is drawn or written notice of a personal delivery must accompany the bad check upon submission to the DA's Office.
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INELIGIBLE BAD CHECKS

Not all bad checks will be accepted by the program.
  • Checks over 120 days old
  • Stop-payment checks
  • Government checks and warrants
  • Checks for which partial restitution has been received
  • Checks which have already been given to a private collection agency for collection
  • Bad checks resulting from a service charge on a checking account by a financial institution
  • Checks written for pay day loans
The following checks should be brought to the local enforcement agency:
  • Forged checks
  • Fictitious checks
  • Out-of-state checks
  • False instruments
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