State's Attorney's Bad Check Program Recovers More Than $1 Million

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution Program, launched in January 2005 to help local merchants, has recovered more that $1 million in restitution for local businesses. More than 44,000 bad checks have been processed through the program.

“I am pleased at the progress of this program,” Cook County State’s Attorney Richard A. Devine said. “For some merchants, a bad check or two can create a real problem for their bottom lines.”

The program lets first-time offenders avoid prosecution by voluntarily participating in a diversion program in which they pay full restitution and costs; pay for and attend an educational class; and pay an administrative fee. To date, 3,148 individuals have participated in the program. More serious offenders, repeat offenders, or those with a criminal history may be prosecuted.

A check is eligible for the program if:

The amount of the check is no more than $5,000 (or multiple checks that do not exceed this amount). There are no minimum limits.
The check was received in Cook County, deposited in a bank in exchange for goods or services and was presumed “good” at the time of acceptance.
A courtesy notice was sent to the check writer allowing 10 days to make the check good.
The check is submitted to the program within 90 days from the date of the check.
A photo I.D. was recorded at the time of transaction.

How the program works:

The victim makes personal contact with the check writer.
If unsuccessful in collecting money, the victim contacts the program by calling (800) 365-2960 or by emailing to cookil@checkprogram.com. Additional information is available on the Bad Check Restitution Program website: www.checkprogram.com/cookcountyil.
The victim fills out a crime report, attaches originals of checks and notification documents and mails it to the Cook County Bad Check Restitution Program, P.O. Box A3984, Chicago, IL 60608-3984

For further information on the Bad Check Restitution Program, merchants can call the State’s Attorney’s Office at (312) 603-8700 or the Victim Hotline at (800) 365-2960, or visit us online at www.statesattorney.org.

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