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$4,000 Vehicle Sale, Bounced Checks, Buyer Refusing Payment — Need Guidance

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Location: Texas
I recently sold a vehicle for $4,000 and accepted two personal checks from the buyer. I didn’t realize at the time that the checks were post‑dated, and I waited until the listed dates to deposit them. Both checks bounced. Since then, the buyer has refused to pay what they owe.

We signed a bill of sale with all the relevant information, and I still have a copy. I feel taken advantage of and I’m trying to understand what legal options I have, both civil and potentially criminal.

My questions are:

  • What steps can I take now to recover the money?

  • Does issuing checks that bounce fall under any criminal statutes in Texas?

  • Is there any criminal recourse in addition to civil action?

I just want to understand the full range of legitimate options available so I can hold this person accountable and hopefully recover what I’m owed.

Any guidance from people who’ve dealt with similar situations would be appreciated.

submitted by /u/Bdtvx5788
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