Benjamin Patrick Sage

This statute prohibits writing or passing a bad check—either knowing there are insufficient funds in your account to cover the check when you write it, or stopping payment on a check to avoid paying for goods, services, or obligations to the government. The offense is committed with fraudulent intent or knowing the check will bounce. Penalties depend on the check amount and prior convictions.

Penalty: Classification not specified

It is illegal to knowingly fail to appear in court when you've been summoned, arrested with a court-ordered release condition, cited instead of arrested, or issued a criminal summons. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and a $2,500 fine. A defense exists if you had a reasonable excuse for missing the court date.

Penalty: Class A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500