The Check Fraud unit of the District Attorney's office in Caņon City processes dishonored checks through a computerized program. This system enables more accurate tracking of checks received for processing, whether immediate payment of restitution is received or criminal charges are filed.

If you have been the victim of an uncollectible or dishonored check, you must report the situation to the Check Fraud unit using the Check Offense Report Form.

This form must be completed and attached to the original check(s) to be submitted. Should you be submitting checks that have been written by different individuals, please complete one form for each check writer. Also, be certain that you follow the guidelines in the Procedure for Prosecution of Dishonored Checks.

Keep in mind that "time" is an important factor in the prosecution of any criminal case. As a general rule, the statute of limitations is eighteen (18) months on a misdemeanor case and three (3) years on a felony case.

Often merchants will enlist the services of a collection agency in order to recoup the money lost to dishonored checks they receive. Once a check has been submitted to the District Attorney's Office for processing, all other methods of collection are eliminated. Should the writer of a dishonored check attempt payment either directly to the victim or through a collection agency, the check writer must be notified that restitution payments are to be made only through the District Attorney's Office.

You can obtain the Report Form from our offices at 136 Justice Center Road in Caņon City, or you can download the document to your computer. Complete the form, attach the original check and any supporting documents, and mail or bring the form to the District Attorney's office.