Consumer guide

Bad check laws in Maryland

Key facts

Bad check laws in Maryland
MeasureValueYear
civil damages rule[1]A drawer of a dishonored check that goes unpaid 30 days after notice of dishonor is liable for the check amount, a collection fee of up to 35 dollars, and an amount up to twice the check amount but not more than 1,000 dollars.2026
felony threshold amount[2]1,5002026
misdemeanor penalty[2]Under Md. Criminal Law Section 8-106, a bad check for property or services under 100 dollars is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days or a 500 dollar fine; 100 to under 1,500 dollars is a misdemeanor with up to 1 year or a 500 dollar fine; 1,500 dollars or more is a felony with tiers up to 20 years for 100,000 dollars or more.2026
notice period days[1]302026
service fee max[1]352026
statute citation[3]Md. Code Ann., Criminal Law Section 8-1032026

Lending rules in Maryland: Maryland lending laws.

Sources

  1. Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Commercial Law Section 15-802.
  2. Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Criminal Law Section 8-106.
  3. Maryland General Assembly. Maryland Criminal Law Section 8-103.