Bad Check Warrants

Definitions

  • Misdemeanor Bad Check Warrant: Any check written on a bank located in the State of Georgia and/or written for less than $1,500.
  • Felony Bad Check Warrant: Any check written on a bank located out of the State of Georgia and/or written for $1,500 or more.

Misdemeanor

If you have a Misdemeanor Bad Check that is returned non-sufficient funds (NSF), you mail the 10-day letter certified return receipt requested. Once you have received the green card back signed and have waited 10 days from the date that the green card was signed for, or once you have received the envelope back unclaimed, than you can file an Application for a Bad Check Warrant (PDF).

If you have a Misdemeanor Bad Check that is returned account closed, you can file the Application for a Bad Check Warrant (PDF) immediately. You do not have to mail out a 10-day letter. However, if you do send out a 10-day letter, you must give the maker of the check 10 days after they sign the green card before you can file an application for the bad check warrant.

Felony

If you have a Felony Bad Check that is returned NSF, you must mail the 10-day letter certified return receipt requested. Once you have received the green card back signed and have waited the 10 days from the date the green card was signed for or once you have received the envelope back unclaimed, you can file the Application for a Bad Check Warrant (PDF).

If you have a Felony Bad Check that is account closed, you must mail out the 10-day letter certified return receipt requested. Once you have received the green card back signed and have waited the 10 days from the dated green card was signed for or once you have received the envelope back unclaimed, you can file the Application for a Bad Check Warrant (PDF).

In each case where the 10-day letter is mailed, you mail the letter to the last known address. It is always, a good idea for the person (cashier, sales clerk, etc.) taking a check from an individual to get their street address, work and home phone number. If the individual is military get their Company address. On those checks that have the individuals address located out of the State of Georgia, we must have an address located in the State of Georgia for service of these warrants.

File a Warrant

When you are ready to file for a warrant, we will need the pre-printed Application for a Bad Check Warrant (PDF) completed, the original check or an official copy of the check from the bank, the green card signed, or the envelope stamped unclaimed. There is a, non-refundable, $5 application fee per check; cash is the only acceptable form of payment.

Once an application is filed, it will be reviewed, and a Judge will determine whether the application will be approved or denied.

Bad Check Warrant Applications are filed at:
Liberty County Magistrate Court
Justice Center Building, Second Floor
201 South Main Street
Suite 2100
Hinesville, GA 31313

Forms

Clerk Assistance

Please refer to the Guidelines for Clerks (PDF) for understanding of what a clerk may or may not do to assist a party.

Disclaimer

The information and forms available on this website are not intended as legal advice and should not be considered as such; they are provided for reference only. Consult an attorney for legal advice.