Guidelines for Submitting Bad Checks

Not all “bad” checks fall under the jurisdiction of the criminal courts.

1. JURISDICTION – The check(s) must have been passed in Johnson County, Kansas.
2. IDENTIFICATION – Must be able to identify check passer. (photo line-up, video surveillance)
3. STOP PAYMENT – Often, these checks are matters for civil court and are not criminally prosecutable.

For Checks Which Can Be Prosecuted:

1. JURISDICTION – The check(s) must have been passed in Johnson County, Kansas.
2. IDENTIFICATION – A driver’s license number and date of birth of the check writer must be obtained at the time the check is accepted. You may also wish to note other pertinent information on the driver’s license for identification purposes. Look at the license to make sure the information matches the individual passing the check, and if possible make a photocopy of the driver’s license. Please provide, at the time of submission, any video surveillance or still photos you have available for the transaction. In certain cases, your business may be contacted by an investigator with our office in order to ask additional questions pertaining to the transaction. Note: Bad check writers and forgers know which merchants do not require identification and will frequent those businesses.
3. To file a criminal complaint, call the Investigations Unit at 913-715-3083 to make an appointment to report the incident. An investigator will come to your home or business, or you can come the District Attorney’s Office to make the initial report. Please have the original bank copy of the check. (Many banks do not keep the original check, but will provide you with a certified copy.) Copies of video or photographs of the transaction are also needed at the time of the report.

If you have questions, please contact the Bad Check Division at 913-715-3083. Documents may be mailed to: The Office of the District Attorney, Bad Check Division, 150 W Santa Fe St., 3rd Floor, Olathe, KS 66061, or you may bring your completed form and check(s) to our office located on the fourth floor of the Johnson County Courthouse.