Step 1

The check, which is the subject of this complaint, must be presented to the bank for payment by the recipient / holder of the worthless check 2 times or until such time as the bank indicates that the check cannot be redeposit. Checks, which are returned initially by the bank with an indication that the account has been closed, do not have to be presented a second time.

Step 2

The recipient / holder of the worthless check should make reasonable efforts to contact the issuer of the check by telephone in an effort to collect restitution on the check, which is the subject of the complaint.

Step 3

Should those reasonable efforts fail; the recipient/holder of the worthless check must notify the issuer of the check in writing of the status of the check, which is the subject of this complaint.  In order for a violation of Ozaukee County Ordinance 8.28 or State of Wisconsin Statute 943.24 to occur, the issuer of the check must fail honor the draft, “…within five (5) days after receiving notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check…” This written notification must be forwarded to the issuer of the check by certified mail with a return receipt indicating the date and to whom the written notification was delivered. A written notification form is attached for your use.

Step 4

Should the issuer of the check fail to heed to the warnings contained in that written notification within 5 days of its issuance, the recipient / holder of the worthless check must complete an Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office Worthless Check Questionnaire following the instructions contained on the questionnaire. The Worthless Check Questionnaire is available online. 

Step 5

The recipient / holder of the worthless check must respond in person to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office to submit a complaint involving the issuance of worthless checks. Please complete the attached information sheets and return to the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office.