Key facts
| Measure | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| civil damages rule[1] | A merchant may recover the face amount of the check plus additional damages of twice the check amount or $100, whichever is greater, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees, under District of Columbia law; this civil remedy is limited to merchants. | 2026 |
| felony threshold amount[2] | 1,000 | 2026 |
| notice period days[1] | 30 | 2026 |
| prosecution notice requirement[2] | Payment of the full amount plus protest fees within 5 days of notice defeats the presumption of fraudulent intent used to support prosecution, under District of Columbia law. | 2026 |
| statute citation[2] | D.C. Code Section 22-1510 | 2026 |
| treble damages[1] | 2 | 2026 |
Lending rules in District of Columbia: District of Columbia lending laws.
Sources
- Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library. District of Columbia Code Section 28-3152, Merchant's Civil Recovery for Dishonored Checks.
- Council of the District of Columbia, D.C. Law Library. District of Columbia Code Section 22-1510, Making, Drawing, or Uttering Check, Draft, or Order With Intent to Defraud.