whats the difference between a bounced check and writing a bad check?

[mrs bales]

every once in a while i write a bounced check, who doesnt. im wondering are they gonna arrest me?

[Gary T]

Not if you make good on it. My understanding is that a bad check is one that is never paid.

[SmackFu]

Bad check laws, for all 50 states.

The criminal penalty is generally $1000 fine or a year in jail, at the max. And that wouldn't apply to a first-time offender.

[Keeve]

GaryT, "never" is a long time. If I pay it just before the trial, then I never violated anything to begin with, according to your explanation.

My WAG is that accidental bounced checks happen all the time, and that "writing a bed check" means it was done on purpose, knowing full well that it would bounce. That would be prosecuatable even if it was paid later on. It can be difficult to prove intent; my guess is that they prosecute only after they've established that a pattern is happening.