Below are the civil and criminal penalties for writing a bad check in Montana.
Civil Penalties: Service charge plus the greater of $100.00, or three times the amount of the check, but not to exceeed the value of the check by more than $500.00. (MCA 27-1-717.)
Criminal Penalties: Check amount under $500.00=Up to $500 fine or six months in jail, or both. Check amount over $500.00=Up to $50,000 fine or 10 years in penitentiary or both. (MCA 45-6-316.)
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 state 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