If I sold my car last week and was paid $11,ooo that day the same day but was just sent another check today for the same amount, can I get in legal trouble for cashing the second check?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If I sold my car last week and was paid $11,ooo that day the same day but was just sent another check today for the same amount, can I get in legal trouble for cashing the second check?

Asked on May 26, 2017 under Criminal Law, Utah

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

Yes, if you cash the second check knowing (as you evidently do) that you are not entitled to it, you will be committing theft and could be criminally prosecuted: it doesn't matter if the other side made an error in sending you the money again, the fact that *you* know that you were already paid means that you know you have no entitlement to the funds--i.e. that you will have committed theft.
You could also be sued for the money's return.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption