Key facts
| Measure | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| civil damages rule[1] | A civil claim can recover the check's face value, actual damages, and exemplary damages of up to 3 times that combined total, though exemplary damages plus attorney's fees together are capped at 500 dollars per violation. | 2026 |
| felony threshold amount[2] | 2,500 | 2026 |
| misdemeanor penalty[2] | Issuing a worthless check of 2,500 dollars or less is a Class A misdemeanor; a single check over that amount, or checks totaling more than 2,500 dollars issued within 90 days, is a Class I felony. | 2026 |
| notice period days[1] | 20 | 2026 |
| statute citation[2] | Wis. Stat. Section 943.24 | 2026 |
| treble damages[1] | Exemplary damages of up to 3 times the combined face value and actual damages are available with no additional proof, but exemplary damages and attorney's fees together cannot exceed 500 dollars for each violation. | 2026 |
Lending rules in Wisconsin: Wisconsin lending laws.
Sources
- Wisconsin State Legislature. Wis. Stat. Section 943.245. Worthless checks; civil liability.
- Wisconsin State Legislature. Wis. Stat. Section 943.24. Issue of worthless check.