Bad Check Laws In Mississippi

by


Below are the civil and criminal penalties for writing a bad check in Mississippi as covered under Chapter 019 of Title 97.

If the check is stamped "NSF" (insufficient funds), the check writer must be given a fifteen day Statutory Notice by mail to make the check good along with applicable fees. After fifteen days have passed the following criminal and civil penalties may apply:

Note: If the check is stamped "Account Closed", then a Statutory Notice does not need to be sent.

Civil Penalties: Amount due plus additional damages of 100% on checks up to $25,000, 50% (not to exceed $50 or fall below $25) on checks on $25 to $200, and 25% on checks over $200.

Criminal Penalties: Checks under $100 - a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for not less than five days nor more than six months or both. Upon conviction of second offense for check less than $100 a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not less than 30 days nor more than one year. For the third offense a felony regardless of amount involved, imprisonment in the state penitentiary for a term of not less than one year nor more than five years. For a check of more than $100, deemed a felony, punishment of fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for a term of not more than three years or both.



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 Mississippi bad check laws at ( http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/97/019/index.htm ).

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.