Penal Code 476a PC is the California statute that makes it a crime for a person to write a “bad check.” A prosecutor must prove the following to convict a person under this code section: the defendant willfully used, made or drew, or attempted to use, make or draw, a check or order for the payment of money, when the defendant used, made, or drew, or attempted to do so, there were insufficient funds to cover full payment of the check, the defendant knew that there were insufficient funds available in that account, and when the defendant acted, he intended to defraud.