Insufficient Funds

The Man reported to work every day, punctually and dutifully. As the Worthless Check Constable for the state, it was his duty to recommend for prosecution those who would purposely write bad checks. Justice isn't bankrupt, after all.

On this day, January 15, a man named Martin knocked politely at his door. "Come in," offered the Worthless Check Constable, and Martin approached his desk, hat-in-hand. "What can I do for you, Mr. um — "

"King," Martin said. "Martin L. King. I was wondering if you could advise me."

"Sure."

"As I understand it, writing a bad check as a negotiable instrument that proves worthless is a Class A misdemeanor."

"That depends, Mr. King. Penal Code 476a PC — you're familiar with penal codes, aren't you Mr. King. Of course you are," he added with a tone of judgment. "476a makes it a crime to write or pass a bad check."

"You mean, knowing that there are insufficient funds in the account, right?"

"Yes," answered the Worthless Check Constable. "Normally it's just a misdemeanor, but doing it can be prosecuted as a felony if the value of the bad checks is more than, say, $950.00."

Martin held out a check.

"This is a blank check, Mr. Martin."

"Right. Is it worthless?"

"Depends. Is there anything to back this up?"

"I don't think so. I think whoever wrote this has defaulted on a promissory note. I have been given a bad check, and it has been returned as "insufficient funds."

"Happens all the time, Mr. King."

"So," Martin surmised, "we can certainly agree that I have been written a very bad check." He regarded the Man behind the desk. "And that the bank is bankrupt. And that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation?"

"Like I said, Mr. Martin..."

"Yes?"

"Happens all the time."

"But not to everybody."

"No, not to everybody. And the one who writes the checks is the one who determines who can cash them."

"You mean, successfully. Thank you very much. You've been very helpful."

"Yes, Mr. King. I am, but like you said, not to everybody. Have a blessed day."