Bad Check Laws In Wisconsin

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Below are the civil and criminal penalties for writing a bad check in Wisconsin under state statute Chapter 943.24 - Issue of worthless check, and Chapter 943.245 - Worthless checks; civil liability. The following can apply if the person failed within 5 days after receiving written notice of nonpayment or dishonor to pay the check, delivered by regular mail to either the person's last-known address or the address provided on the check.


Civil Penalties: Three times the amount of check, and all actual costs of legal action including attorney fees. The total amount of foregoing damages cannot exceed $500.

Criminal Penalties: Whoever issues any worthless check for the payment of not more than $2,500 may be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Whoever issues a bad check for the payment of more than $2,500 or whoever within a 90-day period issues more than one check amounting in the aggregate to more than $2,500 can be found guilty of a Class I felony. These penalties does not apply to a postdated check or to a check given for a past consideration, except a payroll check.

Before a lawsuit may be filed against the party for a unpaid check, the plaintiff must notify the defendant at least 20 days prior to commencing the legal action, of the plaintiff’s intent to bring the legal action. At a minimum, the notice should be sent by regular mail supported by an affidavit of service of mailing. If the debtor pays the check, and any allowable costs under s. 403.414(7), prior to the commencement of the lawsuit the debtor is not liable under s. 943.245.

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 Wisconsin bad check laws.

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.