Bad Check Laws In Illinois

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If you found yourself in a awkward situation because you accidentally made a mistake balancing your checkbook and in return one of your checks bounced then you should know that this happens to many people in Illinois. If this wasn't a deliberate action and the check writer responds quickly to cover the amount of the check, then it usually only results in a fee charged by the bank and merchant. However, if this was fraud or you have no intentions of covering the bad check anytime soon, you should know that you could be facing severe civil and/or criminal penalties.

Below are the civil and criminal penalties for writing a bad check in Illinois under CHAPTER 720 – Criminal Offenses, TITLE III. – SPECIFIC OFFENSES, ARTICLE 17. – DECEPTION.

Civil Penalties: Failing to pay the amount of the check to the payee within 30 days following delivery of a written demand to the writer of the check will be liable to the payee, in addition to the amount of the check, treble the amount owing, but not less than $100 or more than $1,500, plus attorney fees and court costs.

Criminal Penalties: Please check with the state of Illinois for current criminal penalties, fines, and jail sentences.



For more information on bad check laws and for criminal and civil penalties in other states for writing bad checks, please read Bad Check Laws

Check with your state statutes for the most current information on Illionis bad check laws at http://www.ilga.gov.

You may want to also read Getting A Checking Account While On The Chex System

Learn how to Prevent Overdraft And Bounced Check Fees

Although all information has been written in good faith and has been reviewed, please email us at [email protected] to report any inaccuracies.