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Hot Check Department
 Hot Check Guidelines | Hot Check FAQs
Our Hot Check Department prosecutes theft by check and issuance of a bad
check cases.
The Hot Check Department is located on the 2nd Floor
of the Kaufman County Courthouse, 100 W. Mulberry, Kaufman, Texas.
Contacts:
Jana Ramos - 972.932.4331 ext. 1171
Grace Layl - 972.932.4331 ext. 1365
Investigator Ron Jones – ext. 1363
Payments should be made to:
Kaufman County District Attorney's Office
Attn: Hot Check Department
100 W. Mulberry
Kaufman, Texas 75142
MAKE HOT CHECK PAYMENTS ONLINE!
Tips for protecting your identity and what to do if you are a victim: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Hot Check Department
Guidelines
Check Complaint Forms
The Hot Check Department of the Kaufman County District Attorney’s
office will accept for investigation complaints alleging that a person
committed Theft or Theft of Service by
issuing a check which the issuer’s bank refused to honor. A letter will be
mailed to the issuer of the check requesting that he/she make restitution
through our office. If restitution is not received criminal charges may be
filed against the issuer of the check only as defined below:
1.The check cannot be
A. A bank draft
2. The check must have been exchanged for property or
service which was provided at the same time the check was issued.
A Check that is written for A, B, C or D may or may
not be a criminal offense. Each case will be evaluated on an
individual basis.
A. Payment on an open or billed account.
B. Payment on an outstanding debt or loan.
C. Payment for payroll or contract work.
D. A replacement held or post-dated check.
3. The check must have been presented by the
person who signed the check, in person, and in Kaufman County. The
signature on the check must have been witnessed by the person who
received it. A Check that is written for A, B,
C or D may or may not be a criminal offense. Each case will be
evaluated on an individual basis
A. Received through the mail.
B. Passed by another party on behalf of the issuer.
C. Accepted by an unknown employee, courier, or
delivery person.
D. Pre-signed by the issuer.
E. A two-party check (not written to the receiver)
4. The check must have been presented to the issuer’s
bank within thirty (30) days of the date it was issued.
Stamping on the check must show that payment was refused because:
A. The issuer did not have sufficient funds on
deposit with the bank to pay the check when it was issued (“Non-Sufficient
Funds” or “NSF”)
B. The issuer did not have an account with the bank
when the check was issued (“Account Closed” or “No Account Found”).
If the check is stamped “Refer to Maker”, “Uncollected Funds”,
“Funds Unavailable,” “Unauthorized Signature”, “Lost/Stolen”, “Forgery”, or
“Other” may or may not be a criminal offense. Each case will be
evaluated on an individual basis.
5. The issuer of the check must have been sent written
notification via certified mail that payment was refused by the
issuer’s bank. The issuer must have failed to pay the holder of the check in
full within ten (10) working days of receiving the written
notification.
Note: Notification is not required when
the issuer did not have an account with the bank when the
check was issued
6. The Hot Check Department complaint form must contain
adequate information to identify and locate the person who physically
received the check from the issuer. It must also contain adequate
information to identify the issuer of the check. i.e., the check
writer’s true date of birth and a verifiable state driver’s license or
identification number
Check Complaint Forms
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A COMPLAINT WITH THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
HOT CHECK DEPARTMENT
- Complete and
notarize a separate DA Theft by Check / Issuance of a Bad Check form
for each check.
- Attach the original
check or the legal copy from the bank.
- Enclose the invoice,
sales slip, or detailed description of property or services stolen.
- Enclose postal
receipt showing that the issuer of the check was sent written
- Written notification
via certified mail of the bank’s refusal to honor the
check or written notification by first class
mail with affidavit of service by mail in lieu of
certified letter.
- Deliver or mail the
complaint(s) to:
Kaufman County District Attorney
Hot Check Department
100 W. Mulberry
Kaufman, TX. 75142
INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILLING OUT THE THEFT BY CHECK COMPLAINT FORM
- One Complaint Form per
check.
- Fill out as much
information, as possible, in each section of the form.
- All Complaint Forms
must be signed and notarized.
- Completed Complaint
Forms may be submitted in person or by mail.
Check Complaint Forms
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AFTER FILING A COMPLAINT
Although the Hot Check Department is not a collection
agency, this office does collect restitution on behalf of the victims of
check offenses. Payments are made through The Hot Check Department in the
form of Money Orders or Cashier’s Checks, only.
In order to assist in the collection of restitution and the filing of any
criminal case the following special instructions must be heeded.
PLEASE:
1. Do not accept any restitution from a check writer after
submitting a written complaint. Refer any check writer to
our office regarding restitution.
2. Do not promise to drop any criminal charges if restitution
is paid.
3. Please, contact the Hot Check Department with any
changes in regard to your address or telephone number.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Checks
Q: How do I find out how much money I owe and what checks the
District Attorney has for me in your office?
A: You will have to call our office. The Hot Check Department
phone number is 972-932-0260.
Q: How do I make a payment? Do you take credit cards, debit
cards, cash?
A: Payments can be made in person or by mail.
Our mailing address is:
Kaufman County District Attorney's Office
Attn: Hot Check Department
100 W. Mulberry
Kaufman, TX 75142
The Hot Check Department accepts cashier checks and/or money orders, ONLY.
No cash, No credit cards and No debit cards
Q: I have paid my checks but there is still a warrant out for my
arrest. How do I take care of this?
A: You need to call our office. 972.932.0260. It is possible you could
have a Theft By Check Charge or Court Costs and Fines due at a JP Court or
a number of other reasons.
Q: How do I get on a payment plan?
A: You must appear in person and have a Drivers License or a state issue
ID with your picture on it.
Q: I cannot make a payment this month, can I get an extension on
my payment plan?
A: All payments are due on the 15th of each month unless otherwise noted
when you came to get on the payment plan
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