Washington Check Fraud Cases

Washington law prohibits defrauding others by issuing bad checks.

These cases are called "unlawful issuance of a bank check."

The laws governing Washington check fraud crimes can be found in the Revised Code of Washington at RCW 9A.56.

It is a Washington crime to, with intent to defraud, issue a check for the payment of money knowing at the time there are insufficient funds or credit to cover the check. RCW 9A.56.060(1).

Any person who, with intent to defraud, issues a check and who orders a stop-payment request directing the bank not to honor such check and who fails to otherwise arrange payment within 20 days is guilty of unlawful issuance of a bank check. RCW 9A.56.060(2).

Unlawful Issuance of a Bank Check is a Class C Felony if the dollar amount in question exceeds $250. A Class C Felony is punishable by a maximum of 5 years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Actual penalties for a Washington theft crime, however, are determined by the Sentencing Reform Act, RCW 9.94A and the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines.

Unlawful Issuance of a Bank Check is a Gross Misdemeanor if the dollar amount in question is less than $250. A Gross Misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum of 365 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. RCW 9.92.020.

If a series of bad checks are written in the course of a common scheme or plan the value will be added to determine if the crime exceed $250 to be considered a Class C Felony. RCW 9A.56.060(3).