Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County District Attorney´s Office is taking measures to curtail losses from bad check writers.

The DA says the county´s Bad Check Program frees law enforcement officers to deal with more serious offenses while allowing victims to receive full restitution at no cost and allowing offenders to avoid criminal prosecution by paying restitution and attending a financial management class.

District Attorney Donald Segerstrom says merchants and residents should send NSF checks directly to the Bad Check Program. The writer of the check is then notified and required to pay the amount of the check and any additional bank fees incurred by the receiver.

The check writer is also charged a county administration fee to cover the costs of the program. The DA´s office says the program has a recovery rate of three times the national average.

Bad check writers who refuse to pay restitution may face criminal prosecution.