Check fraud allegations can threaten your freedom, finances, and reputation — but they’re not unbeatable. Many cases hinge on misunderstandings, accounting errors, or lack of intent. Act quickly to protect your name.
If you’ve been charged with check fraud in Newnan or anywhere in Coweta County, you’re likely facing more than just embarrassment—you’re facing real criminal consequences. Georgia aggressively prosecutes forgery and deposit account fraud cases, and what might seem like a financial misunderstanding or a lapse in judgment can quickly turn into a felony on your record.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we defend people—not paper trails. Our team fights for individuals who have been accused of writing bad checks, forging financial instruments, or engaging in alleged check fraud schemes. Whether it’s a single bounced check or a felony charge involving thousands of dollars, we’re ready to protect your rights and pursue a result that helps you move forward.
Under Georgia law, check fraud falls primarily under two categories in the 2024 Code of Georgia: Forgery (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-1) and Deposit Account Fraud (O.C.G.A. § 16-9-20). Both are serious offenses and may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the amount of the check, the number of checks involved, and whether any alleged forgery occurred.
Let’s break down both areas of the law.
Forgery charges are divided into degrees, and check-related offenses generally fall under third-degree and fourth-degree forgery, depending on the amount and circumstances.
You can be charged with third-degree forgery if:
This is a felony under Georgia law. A conviction can result in:
You can be charged with fourth-degree forgery if:
Fourth-degree forgery is a misdemeanor in many cases—but it still carries serious consequences, including jail time and fines. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a misdemeanor means it’s “no big deal.” If this is your second or third charge, or if other fraud-related charges are stacked with it, you could face elevated penalties.
Georgia’s deposit account fraud statute covers cases where a person writes a check or other payment instrument knowing that it will not be honored by the bank. You can be charged even if you later pay off the amount. The law includes bounced checks, closed accounts, and bad checks written for wages or purchases.
The penalties depend on the amount of the check(s):
Writing multiple bad checks within a short period (such as within 15 or 90 days) can also escalate the charge, even if each check is under $500.
At J. Ryan Brown Law, we’ve handled a wide range of check-related fraud allegations, including:
Even if you didn’t intend to defraud anyone, law enforcement and prosecutors may pursue the case based on circumstantial evidence. That’s why it’s critical to have a lawyer who understands the technical and financial nuances of these charges—and how to fight them.
Every check fraud case has a unique paper trail, and that means the defense should never be one-size-fits-all. At J. Ryan Brown Law, we analyze the bank records, examine the chain of custody for the checks, and investigate whether the state can actually prove that you acted “with intent to defraud.”
Here are some defense strategies we may pursue:
Intent is central to both forgery and deposit account fraud. A bounced check isn’t a crime unless it was written knowing the funds were insufficient. We may be able to show:
For deposit account fraud, Georgia law requires written notice to the alleged offender before presuming fraudulent intent. If the proper notice was not provided or documented, that presumption falls apart.
If law enforcement searched your home, car, or digital devices without a valid warrant or probable cause, any checks or records obtained could be ruled inadmissible.
We challenge the authenticity and admissibility of the documents involved. If the check can’t be directly tied to you—or if someone else had access to your account—we’ll raise that doubt in court.
Bibb County
Carroll County
Coweta County
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You’re not just fighting a charge—you’re fighting for your future. Here’s what you get when you hire us:
Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony, our mission is to help you avoid jail, protect your record, and resolve your case with the least possible long-term consequences. We’ll explore all possible avenues, from dismissal and diversion to reduced charges or a not-guilty verdict at trial.
Anything you say can be used against you, especially in financial fraud cases.
Keep copies of letters, bank statements, email records, and receipts—especially if you’ve tried to repay the funds.
Many check fraud cases escalate because the accused waited too long to get help.
We represent clients charged with check fraud, forgery, and related offenses throughout:
Whether you’re a business owner, employee, contractor, or young adult caught in a financial mistake, we treat your case with urgency and professionalism.
Check fraud charges don’t just threaten your bank account—they threaten your freedom, your record, and your future. You need a defense attorney who will treat your case with the seriousness it deserves and the skill it demands.
Contact J. Ryan Brown Law now to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s talk about your options—and fight back against the charges together.
