Key facts
| Measure | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|
| felony threshold amount[1] | 500 | 2026 |
| misdemeanor penalty[1] | A worthless check under 500 dollars is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than 200 dollars, confinement in jail of not more than six months, or both. | 2026 |
| notice period days[2] | 10 | 2026 |
| prosecution notice requirement[3] | No warrant may issue for a misdemeanor worthless-check charge unless the payee sent the Section 61-3-39e notice giving 10 days to pay the check plus a fee of up to 25 dollars, or the magistrate court mailed its own notice giving the drawer 10 days to pay, under W. Va. Code Section 61-3-39g. | 2026 |
| service fee max[2] | 25 | 2026 |
| statute citation[1] | W. Va. Code Section 61-3-39 | 2026 |
Lending rules in West Virginia: West Virginia lending laws.
Sources
- West Virginia Legislature. W. Va. Code Section 61-3-39. Obtaining property in return for worthless check; penalty.
- West Virginia Legislature. W. Va. Code Section 61-3-39e. Notice of dishonor by payee; service charge.
- West Virginia Legislature. W. Va. Code Section 61-3-39g. Complaint; notice of complaint; issuance of warrant; payment procedures; costs.