Bad check writing alleged

Oxnard resident Scott B. Whitenack, 49, an attorney who practiced law in Westlake village, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of writing and passing checks with nonsufficient funds.

Whitenack wrote and passed three checks totaling $340 with insufficient funds in his business checking account between July 29, 2007 and Sept. 9, 2007. He was an active member of the state bar during the period and was licensed to practice law in California. The checks were drawn on Whitenack's attorney/client trust account and had his bar number imprinted on them, authorities said.

Whitenack was arrested and released on his own recognizance. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of one year in county jail.