Trial Clears 45-Year-Old Man Of Passing Bad Checks

A 45-year-old Miner with no prior criminal history became entangled in a precarious situation when he agreed to help a female friend purchase a car. The friend wanted to use a starter check for a deposit, but the dealership wanted a driver’s license to accompany the check, and the man volunteered. Ultimately, the check was declined and the dealership called the police. The police were unable to locate the woman so they contacted the license holder. The police claimed that he must have known the account was empty, and charged him with passing bad checks. Initially, he appeared in court without legal representation, believing the situation was a simple mix-up and he could straighten it out himself. When he met with the judge and the district attorney, it became obvious that because they were unable to reach the woman in question, they wanted him to accept responsibility and repay the amount of the deposit. Faced with the possibility of having a criminal record and being held financially responsible, he contacted Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC.

Pittsburg attorney Matthew Ness saw the weaknesses in the case and possible unscrupulous business practices by the dealership. During the course of a trial, Matt Ness exposed these flaws and it became clear that our client was a mere bystander in this transaction. In the end, the Judge agreed and found our client not guilty, removing him from the hook for passing bad checks and any future legal worries.

The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.