Need a Massachusetts Larceny by Check Lawyer? Get Aggressive Defense from a Former Prosecutor.
Being charged with larceny by check in Massachusetts is a serious matter that can lead to criminal penalties, restitution orders, and a permanent record. Whether the charge involves a bounced check, fraudulent intent, or a misunderstanding, you need an experienced Massachusetts larceny by check lawyer to defend your rights and fight for the best outcome.
Attorney Patrick Donovan is a former Assistant District Attorney who has handled hundreds of theft and fraud-related cases across Massachusetts. He understands how prosecutors build these cases—and how to break them down.
Why You Need Attorney Patrick Donovan on Your Side
- ✅ Former Prosecutor – Knows How the Other Side Operates
- ✅ Over 15 Years of Criminal Defense Experience
- ✅ Track Record of Reduced Charges, Dismissals, and Not Guilty Verdicts
- ✅ Thorough Investigation and Strategic Negotiation
- ✅ Free, Confidential Legal Consultation
Larceny by Check Charges Are Defensible — Don’t Plead Guilty Without a Fight
In many cases, larceny by check charges can be resolved without a conviction, especially if it’s a first offense. Attorney Donovan will work to protect your record and your future, whether through dismissal, pretrial diversion, or a strong courtroom defense.
Call (617) 479-1800 today to schedule your free consultation with a proven Massachusetts larceny by check lawyer. Get the knowledgeable, powerful defense you need to move forward with confidence.
Experienced. Strategic. Ready to fight for you.
Page Contents
Larceny by Check is the crime of bouncing a check. In Massachusetts, there are both civil and criminal penalties for larceny by check. If you receive a summons to appear in court, you are facing criminal charges. If you get a summons for a criminal charge, call today.
Attorney Donovan has successfully assisted numerous individuals facing larceny charges, often ensuring that they maintain a clean criminal record without any convictions.
What are the elements of Larceny By Check?
To establish larceny by check, the following elements must be present:
The accused issued or passed a check.
The check was for the payment of money.
The accused knew that there were insufficient funds in the account to cover the check.
The accused intended to defraud or deceive the recipient of the check.
What is the bounced check law?
What is the Penalty for Larceny by Check?
The criminal penalty for larceny by check in Massachusetts is one year in jail or not more than a $1500 fine if the check was for less than $1200. For bounced checks greater than $1200 then penalty of state prison for not more than 5 years, jail for not more 2 years and up to a $25,000 fine.
In addition to criminal penalties Massachusetts General Law c. 93, § 40A permits, “in addition to any criminal penalties,” a civil suit to recover the face amount of a bounced check “and for additional damages, as determined by the court, but in no event . . . less than one hundred nor more than five hundred dollars” if a specified form of written demand goes unanswered for 30 days.
Are there any defenses to Larceny by Check?
Yes, there are defenses to larceny by check charged. The two most common defenses are lack of intent and lack of knowledge. Because both are necessary elements to the crime, without either one, the prosecutor cannot get a conviction.
What is the statute of limitations for Larceny By Check?
The statute of limitations for Larceny By Check is 6 years in Massachusetts.
Am I guilty if I did not honor the check in two days?
No. In Commonwealth v. Littles , 477 Mass. 382 (2017), the Supreme Judicial Court held unconstitutional the statutory designation in the fraudulent check statute, that failure to make the required payment on a bad check within two days of notice constitutes prima facie evidence of the defendant’s intent and knowledge. The Court held that the statute is unconstitutional as it impermissibly lowers the Commonwealth’s burden of proof.
BEST MASSACHUSETTS CRIMINAL LAWYER
Patrick Donovan, a criminal defense attorney from Massachusetts, previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Norfolk County. During his time as a prosecutor, he dealt with numerous criminal prosecutions, specifically handling larceny arraignments, pre-trials, and both bench and jury trials. Through his experience as a prosecutor, Donovan gained a solid understanding of case-building tactics, which he now applies in his defense strategies. As a Criminal Defense Attorney, he has achieved a high success rate in both judge and jury trials, successfully resolving numerous criminal cases. Should you require assistance, Attorney Donovan is equipped to help you.
Massachusetts Bounced Check Lawyer
CALL THE LAW OFFICE OF PATRICK T. DONOVAN TODAY FOR YOUR FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION AT (617) 479-1800. Attorney Donovan’s office is conveniently located near the Southeast Expressway.
