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I have a $2,000 check written by a friend that won't clear the bank. What are my legal rights?
Friends and money are often uneasy bedfellows. In your situation, you are likely to end up with either your money or your friend, but not both.
From a legal standpoint, you have the right to sue and obtain a judgment and force collections -- garnishing your friend's wages, seizing his or her bank accounts, or putting a lien on his or her house.
Also, in some states, a judge could award you up to three times the amount of the check to punish your friend for writing a bad check. Check your state laws (you can try Nolo's Legal Research Center ).
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