Bad Check Laws In Rhode Island

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So many people believe that writing a bad check is just bad banking. The thing is though, it goes much further than that. Writing a bad check is not just bad business and dishonest, but it is illegal too. This does not mean that a simple bounced check from time to time will land you in jail. What it does mean however is that if you are purposely writing checks for amounts that you know without a shadow of doubt that you are not able to cover, you may receive punishment by law.


It is one thing to misjudge what your available balance is in the checking account. Those who live paycheck to paycheck often find themselves in trouble if they fail to record one gas receipt in their checkbook ledger, as it could lead to a bounced check.

In order to make sure that you are not going to get yourself into any trouble, it is important to make sure that you are practicing extreme caution when balancing your checkbook. In addition, it would not hurt to get to know the bad check laws in Rhode Island. This way, you know exactly how strict the law is should you ever become tempted in your most desperate times to write a bad check.

Many times, once learning the details of the Rhode Island bad check laws, many people find themselves shocked. Those who have tried to just "float a check", have wondered how they lucked out and never got into any trouble just yet. Remember, it does not matter if you are sure that Friday is payday and today is Wednesday. Unless there is money in the bank that is available for withdrawal at the very moment you sign that check – do not write it! Know the law and know the punishments that come with breaking it!

Below are the civil and criminal penalties for writing a bad check in Rhode Island under Statute TITLE 6 Commercial Law; General Regulatory Provisions, CHAPTER 42 Checks and Other Instruments; Dishonor, § 6-42-1 Notice of dishonor, § 6-42-3 Cause of action – Damages, and § 6-42-4 Defenses to action.

Civil Penalties: When a check has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment by any bank or other financial institution and has not been paid within ten days, the holder to whom the check was issued may send a notice of dishonor to the maker. The maker of a dishonored check who fails to pay the amount demanded within thirty days of the mailing of the notice of dishonor shall be liable to the holder for the amount of the check, a collection fee of twenty-five dollars, and a amount equal to three times the amount of the check but in no case less than two hundred dollars and in no case more than one thousand dollars.

Criminal Penalties: Up to $500 fine, or up to one year imprisonment, or both. Up to $2,000 fine, or up to 2 years imprisonment, 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 Rhode Island bad check laws at ( http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE6/6-42/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.