Key facts
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Felony threshold amount[1] | $2,500Year 2026 |
| Notice period[2] | 20 daysYear 2026 |
- Civil damages ruleA 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.[2]
- Misdemeanor penaltyIssuing 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.[1]
- Statute citationWis. Stat. Section 943.24[1]
- Treble damagesExemplary 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.[2]
Lending rules in Wisconsin: Wisconsin lending laws.
Sources
- Wisconsin State Legislature. Wis. Stat. Section 943.24. Issue of worthless check.
- Wisconsin State Legislature. Wis. Stat. Section 943.245. Worthless checks; civil liability.