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Office of the District Attorney P. David Soares CHECK ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM ALBANY, NY – District Attorney P. David Soares will be announcing a new countywide check enforcement program designed to address the problem of criminal bad checks. The new service will give merchants and victims an effective, no-cost way to recover funds lost to bad checks. It also helps businesses avoid bad checks in the first place. In addition, it helps prevent bad check offenders from writing future bad checks. “By the time a check reaches this program, it is very likely a criminal offense” states District Attorney Soares. “Prosecuting every bad check is not necessarily the best way to address the crime. By creating a diversion program, the Check Enforcement Program offers bad check writers the opportunity to avoid possible prosecution.” Soares continues, “To steer clear of a visit to our courts, bad check writers must fulfill all conditions of this program.” The conditions are that check writers pay the entire cost of this program. The Offender must make full restitution to the victims, a service fee to cover the costs incurred as a result of a bad check, and a fee to administer the program. The check writers would then be required to complete an educational course that teaches them how to manage their personal finances. As part of the announcement, the DA’s Office will be conducting briefings for merchants, business owners that do business in the County of Albany. The Check Enforcement Program will give “teeth” in enforcement and to help go after those people who have passed bad checks with the intent of never making them good. The Check Enforcement Program has had several successful programs that are working throughout New York State (other counties include New York, Onondaga, Franklyn, and Wyoming County). This program should return millions of dollars to merchants and other victims of bad checks crime—at no cost to anyone but the check writers who have passed bad checks. “By getting involved in a simple process, Albany County businesses that get involved will benefit directly. Ultimately, we all pay the cost of this crime because merchants are forced to raise their prices to make up from money lost and stolen from bad checks.” Soares stated today. The Check Enforcement Program is part of the Soares Administration’s initiative to adding components to the law enforcement strategy to be tough on crime, smart on prevention. Soares added. “Prevention is always preferable to prosecution”. WHEN: Wednesday June 7th, 2006, from 10-12pm and 3-5pm WHO: Merchants will be invited to come to the DA’s Office at the above times. They will then learn all about this free, countywide check enforcement program. WHERE: 4th Floor, Albany Judicial Center, 6 Lodge Street, Albany, NY. Soares wants to emphasize that bad checks, of any size, are a serious matter. “This is a one-time offer for people who are passing bad checks. The District Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute bad check cases.” Merchants or individuals can call toll-free 1-888-620-9774 to receive information. There is also a web site- www.hotchecks.net/Albany - where people can register and download forms. For further information contact: Rachel McEneny
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