UCMJ Article 134
Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds
According to the MCM, in order for a service member to be convicted of an Article 134 violation for Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds, the prosecution must demonstrate that:
- the accused made and uttered a certain check;
- the check was made and uttered for the purchase of a certain thing, in payment of a debt, or for a certain purpose;
- the accused subsequently failed to place or maintain sufficient funds in or credit with the drawee bank for payment of the check in full upon its presentment for payment;
- this failure was dishonorable; and
- under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was either: (i) to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces; (ii) was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces; or (iii) to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces and of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces.
Understanding Article 134 (Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds) of the UCMJ
This offense differs from an Article 123a offense in that there need not be an intent to defraud or deceive at the time of making, drawing, uttering, or delivery, and that the accused need not know at that time that the accused did not or would not have sufficient funds for payment. The gist of the offense lies in the conduct of the accused after uttering the instrument. Mere negligence in maintaining one’s bank balance is insufficient for this offense, for the accused’s conduct must reflect bad faith or gross indifference in this regard. As in the offense of dishonorable failure to pay debts, dishonorable conduct of the accused is necessary, and the other principles also apply here.
Maximum Possible Punishment for Violations of Article 134
Service members convicted of a violation of Article 134 for – Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds face a maximum possible punishment of a bad conduct discharge, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 6 months.
How do you defend against Article 134 Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds charges?
When you are facing the combined resources of the military as well as the current cultural climate, you need to be prepared to defend your career and your freedom. Crisp and Associates, LLC has a team of experienced trial attorneys, with more than 75 years of combined experience, who have won these types of cases. This team includes the firm’s founder, Jonathan Crisp, a highly respected and sought-after attorney, speaker, and lecturer, who has served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) since 1998 and entered private practice in 2007.
If you, or someone you know, is facing Article 134 charges for Check, Worthless Making and Uttering – by Dishonorably Failing to Maintain Funds, you need to speak with a Military defense attorney right away. We understand what is at risk, and we know how to protect your career, your freedom, and your future. Please call Crisp and Associates Military at 888-258-1653 for a free consultation.
View more UCMJ Articles.