Key facts
| Measure | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| civil damages rule[1] | A drawer who fails to pay a dishonored check within the notice period is liable to the payee for twice the amount owing, or 100 dollars, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees and court costs. | 2026 |
| felony threshold amount[2] | 1,000 | 2026 |
| misdemeanor penalty[2] | Under La. R.S. 14:71, a check under 1,000 dollars draws a fine up to 500 dollars or up to 6 months imprisonment; amounts over 1,000 dollars can draw imprisonment with or without hard labor, rising to up to 20 years and fines up to 50,000 dollars at 25,000 dollars or more. | 2026 |
| notice period days[1] | 15 | 2026 |
| prosecution notice requirement[2] | Failing to pay a check within 10 days after notice of nonpayment is sent by certified mail, or personally delivered, is presumptive evidence of intent to defraud. | 2026 |
| service fee max[1] | 25 dollars, or 5 percent of the face amount of the check, whichever is greater. | 2026 |
| statute citation[2] | La. Rev. Stat. Ann. Section 14:71 | 2026 |
Lending rules in Louisiana: Louisiana lending laws.
Sources
- Louisiana State Legislature. RS 9:2782 - Nonsufficient fund checks; damages, attorney fees.
- Louisiana State Legislature. RS 14:71 - Issuing worthless checks.