When a
check is presented to the Hot Check Office for prosecution, the merchant will fill out a check
receipt and witness
statement
(These two
forms can be downloaded below). The check will be logged and a search made to see if
the check writer has any other hot check offenses pending. If he/she does, your check
will be filed with the criminal cases previously filed in order to expedite your
restitution upon prosecution of the check writer.
You may present your check in person to the Bell County Hot Check Department
550 E. 2nd Avenue Belton, Texas 76513 or by mail to the Bell
County Hot Check Department P.O. Box 1127 Belton, Texas
76513. Please make sure all forms are properly completed and submitted
with checks.Normally, for first offenders and those with no other checks
pending, the hot check writer will be notified both by letter and by a criminal
investigator that a criminal case is about to be filed. Criminal charges will be
filed if the check writer does not make restitution, to include a merchant collection fee
and costs of prosecution under the Hot Check Fee Act (provided the check
meets our policy for prosecution). This may cost the hot check
writer up to double the amount of the check. Also, if a criminal case is subsequently
filed for failure to pay as required, the hot check writer will be faced with the expense
of a fine and court costs!
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Restitution
is sent to the merchant after collection in the order of checks submitted that were
written by the hot check writer.
---The Hot Check Office must be notified of any changes of the merchant
address.
If you have any questions or
problems, please contact the Manager of the Hot Check Office or me. We will be glad
to help you in any way.
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