Key facts
| Measure | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| civil damages rule[1] | A holder may recover the check amount, court costs, processing charges, and interest at 12 percent per year from dishonor, plus a civil penalty of up to 150 dollars and possible attorney fees. | 2025 |
| misdemeanor penalty[2] | Intentionally issuing a worthless instrument is a Class E crime; it becomes a Class D crime above 500 dollars, a Class C crime above 1,000 dollars (or with 2 or more prior theft-type convictions), and a Class B crime above 10,000 dollars. | 2026 |
| notice period days[1] | 10 | 2025 |
| statute citation[2] | 17-A M.R.S. Section 708 | 2026 |
| treble damages[1] | Maine uses a double-damages cap, not treble damages: for a second knowingly bad check to the same payee within one year, unpaid 30 days after written demand, the drawer owes added liquidated damages of twice the face amount or 750 dollars (no account) or 400 dollars (insufficient funds), whichever is less. | 2025 |
Lending rules in Maine: Maine lending laws.
Sources
- Maine Legislature. Title 14, Section 6071: Civil penalties for bad checks.
- Maine Legislature. Title 17-A, Section 708: Negotiating a worthless instrument.