can a employer with hold money out of my check for me taking a bad check

They can deduct it,  but it may be unlawful to do so.  Before an employer can deduct anything other than legally required amounts from an employee's wage, it must comply with certain disclosure requirements.  If these requirements are not met, then the wage deduction may be unlawful.  If you feel you have been subjected to an unlawful deduction, you can contact the NC Department of Labor.  You can also get more information about deductions on its website at nclabor.com.