Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Cashed checks from friend not knowing they were forged.

I have cashed checks signed over from this person in the past with no problems. On 7/17/09 I have found out that she was forging checks lately (currently arrested not sure of charges or if for this). On 7/14/09 I noticed that one of the checks had been a returned Deposit stating ''refer to maker''. I went to the bank to find out what this is and was told that usually means it is an NSF (wasn't until 7/17 that I found out from her father she had forged some checks). A friend of mine recommended going through the PA attorney referral service but they were closed on friday when I called and I intend to call tomorrow morning).

I had no knowledge that the checks were forged and certainly had no intent to defraud anyone. I have a clean record never done anything before (one traffic ticket for operating a vehicle at an unsafe speed 5.5 years ago). No charges have been filed on me that I know. How could someone prove that I knew anything about this? What should I expect in the next few days? I have been advised not to make any statements or reports right now but I would like a record that I am aware of this now and want this resolved is it correct to wait until charges are filed (if they are)?


Asked on 7/20/09, 4:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Gibson John W. Gibson, Esquire

Re: Cashed checks from friend not knowing they were forged.

It isn't very likely that charges will be filed against you. It is more likely that your own bank account will be charged for the bad checks (happens to lawyers all the time). A lot depends on the amount of the checks also. If these are a couple hundred dollars that is a lot different than if these are thousands.

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Answered on 7/20/09, 2:08 pm


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