Worthless Check - Merchant Resources

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Worthless Check - Merchant Resources

 

 

merchant resources

Worthless Check Unit Special Services Division
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Suite 107
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-1422
Fax: (205) 325-1427

Checklist for Worthless Checks:
  1. The check must have been accepted (in person or by mail) by the victim, or a representative of the victim (salesperson, UPS driver, etc.) in the Birmingham District of Jefferson County, Alabama. If you have any questions concerning jurisdiction, please call our office at (205) 325-1422.
  2. All checks must be dated less than one year prior to obtaining a warrant.
  3. The check writer must be at least 18 years of age on or before the check date. Any checks written by a minor (under the age of 18) can be handled through Family Court.
  4. No checks will be accepted that are:
    a. Post-dated checks
    b. Two-party checks
    c. Hold checks (any check that you agreed with the check writer to hold for any specific time before deposit)
    d. Stamped stop payment
  5. No warrants will be issued on checks that have had partial payment(s) made toward the check.
  6. By Alabama State Law, a ten-day Notice to the Maker form must be filled out and mailed via certified mail. A return receipt request card (green signature card) must be included. The check writer must be given ten (10) full days for the date on the signature card to pay the amount due. After the ten days you may obtain the warrant.
  7. The certified letter must be addressed to the person who signed the check and the full and correct address on the check. If the check writer has provided a different address in writing, you must send the certified letter to the corrected address. When processing a business check, the certified letter must be addressed to the signer of the check and mailed to the address on the check.
  8. If the certified letter is returned to you for any reason, no waiting period is required. Do not open the letter and leave the green signature card intact.
  9. No certified letter is required for the following:
    a. Closed account
    b. Unable to locate account
    c. No account found
  10. When you are ready to sign the warrant(s) you must bring the following documents:
    a. Worthless Check Information Sheet
    b. Original check or legal copy from the bank
    c. Green signature card or letter (in its original unopened envelope)
    d. Copy of the notice to the maker letter
  11. All information requested on the Worthless Check Information Sheet must be filled as completely as possible.
  12. This office strongly urges you to make it company policy to obtain the check writer's ID (driver's license, date of birth, etc.) at the time of the transaction. If the ID is already printed or written on the check, please verify the information.
For your convenience, we have several of the forms available as PDFs for you to download below:
Worthless Check Information Sheet
Notice to the Maker

Main Location & Number:
Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5252
Fax: (205) 325-5266

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday (Law Enforcement Only)
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sunday (Law Enforcement Only)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
*Holiday hours may vary*
 

Victim Assistance:
Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Suite 105
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5260
Fax: (205) 521-7510

Worthless Check & Restitution Recovery Unit:
Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Suite 107
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-1422
Fax: (205) 325-1427

Helping Families Initiative (HFI):
Phone: (205) 325-5483

Jefferson County Family Court Building:
120 2nd Court North
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: (205) 325-5480
Fax: (205) 325-15846