A recent incident involving Chase Bank has caught the attention of many, highlighting the unexpected dangers of ATM glitches and the severe legal consequences that can follow. In this case, a viral video on TikTok showed how a glitch in Chase Bank’s ATMs allowed customers to withdraw more money than they had deposited. While some may see this as a stroke of luck, the reality is far more concerning: taking advantage of such glitches can lead to serious criminal charges, including check fraud.
The Chase Bank ATM Glitch: What Happened?
The viral story began when Chase Bank customers reported being able to withdraw more money than they had deposited due to a system glitch. This seemingly harmless mistake quickly escalated as some individuals began to exploit the glitch, withdrawing significant amounts of money without realizing the potential legal ramifications.
Yesterday, a glitch in Chase Bank's system allowed people to withdraw funds they weren’t entitled to, prompting the bank to place 7-day holds on the affected accounts.
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 1, 2024
As a consequence, chase account holders who participated in this glitch are now dealing with massive negative… pic.twitter.com/T0M1FULvoW
What is Check Fraud?
Check fraud occurs when someone deliberately tries to deceive a bank or financial institution for financial gain. This can involve altering checks, creating fake checks, or, as seen in the recent Chase Bank case, taking advantage of a system glitch to withdraw more funds than deposited. Even if the original intent wasn’t malicious, taking money that isn’t yours is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Penalties for Check Fraud: State-by-State Breakdown
The penalties for check fraud vary significantly by state, ranging from misdemeanor charges with minor fines to felony charges that could lead to years in prison. Below is an overview of how different states handle check fraud cases, which should give a sense of the legal consequences one might face for engaging in fraudulent check activities.
| State | Amount | Penalty Type | Description | Penalty | Source | Website soruce |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $6,000. | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 |
| Alabama | $500 to $1,500 | Felony | Class D Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $7,500. | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 |
| Alabama | $1,500 to $2,500 | Felony | Class C Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $15,000. | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 |
| Alabama | Over $2,500 | Felony | Class B Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000. | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 | Alabama Code § 13A-9-13.1 |
| Alaska | Less than $250 | Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 | Alaska Statutes § 11.46.280 | Alaska Statutes - Section 11.46.280 |
| Alaska | $250 - $750 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Alaska Statutes § 12.55.135 | Alaska Statutes - Section 12.55.135 |
| Alaska | $750 - $25,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000 | Alaska Statutes § 12.55.125 | Alaska Statutes - Section 12.55.125 |
| Alaska | $25,000 or more | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Alaska Statutes - Section 12.55.125 | |
| Arizona | Under $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500 | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-1807 (Issuing a Bad Check; Classification) | Arizona Revised Statutes - Check Fraud § 13-1807 |
| Arizona | $1,000 - $2,000 | Felony | Class 6 Felony | Up to 2 years in prison | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-702 (Sentencing for Misdemeanors) | Arizona Revised Statutes - Misdemeanor Sentences § 13-702 |
| Arizona | $2,000 - $3,000 | Felony | Class 5 Felony | Up to 2.5 years in prison | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-707 (Sentencing for Felonies) | Arizona Revised Statutes - Felony Sentences § 13-707 |
| Arizona | $3,000 - $25,000 | Felony | Class 4 Felony | Up to 3.75 years in prison | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-707 (Sentencing for Felonies) | Arizona Revised Statutes - Felony Sentences § 13-708 |
| Arizona | Over $25,000 | Felony | Class 2 Felony | Up to 12.5 years in prison | Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-707 (Sentencing for Felonies) | Arizona Revised Statutes - Felony Sentences § 13-709 |
| Arkansas | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Arkansas Code § 5-37-302 | Arkansas Code - Section 5-37-302 |
| Arkansas | $1,000 - $5,000 | Felony | Class D Felony | Up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Arkansas Code § 5-4-201 | Arkansas Code - Section 5-4-201 |
| Arkansas | $5,000 - $25,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Arkansas Code § 5-4-401 | Arkansas Code - Section 5-4-401 |
| Arkansas | $25,000 or more | Felony | Class B Felony | 5 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Arkansas Code - Section 5-4-401 | |
| California | Any amount (check fraud in California is generally not categorized strictly by amount, but by the act itself) | Misdemeanor or Felony | Misdemeanor or Felony (“Wobbler” offense, can be charged as either depending on the circumstances) | Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | California Penal Code § 476 | California Penal Code - Section 476 |
| California | Felony: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | California Penal Code § 473 | California Penal Code - Section 473 | |||
| Colorado | Less than $300 | Misdemeanor | Class 3 Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $750 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-5-205 | Colorado Revised Statutes - Section 18-5-205 |
| Colorado | $300 - $2,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 2 Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-501 | Colorado Revised Statutes - Section 18-1.3-501 |
| Colorado | $2,000 - $5,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 18 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-401 | Colorado Revised Statutes - Section 18-1.3-401 |
| Colorado | $5,000 - $20,000 | Felony | Class 5 Felony | 1 to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-402 | Colorado Revised Statutes - Section 18-1.3-401 |
| Colorado | $20,000 or more | Felony | Class 4 Felony | 2 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $500,000 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-403 | Colorado Revised Statutes - Section 18-1.3-401 |
| Connecticut | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to 3 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-1.3-404 | Connecticut General Statutes - Section 53a-128 |
| Connecticut | $500 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-36 | Connecticut General Statutes - Section 53a-36 |
| Connecticut | $1,000 - $5,000 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 | Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-42 | Connecticut General Statutes - Section 53a-42 |
| Connecticut | $5,000 or more | Felony | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-43 | Connecticut General Statutes - Section 53a-42 |
| Delaware | Less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine | Delaware Code Title 11 § 900, § 941 | Delaware Code - Title 11, Section 900 |
| Delaware | $1,500 - $50,000 | Felony | Class G Felony | Up to 2 years in prison | Delaware Code Title 11 § 4205 | Delaware Code - Title 11, Section 4205 |
| Delaware | $50,000 - $100,000 | Felony | Class F Felony | Up to 3 years in prison | Delaware Code Title 11 § 4206 | Delaware Code - Title 11, Section 4205 |
| Delaware | $100,000 or more | Felony | Class E Felony | Up to 5 years in prison | Delaware Code Title 11 § 4207 | Delaware Code - Title 11, Section 4205 |
| Florida | Less than $150 | Misdemeanor | First-Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Florida Statutes § 832.05(4) | Florida Statutes § 832.05 |
| Florida | $150 or more | Felony | Third-Degree Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Florida Statutes § 832.05(4) | Florida Statutes § 832.05 |
| Florida | $150 or more with prior conviction | Felony | Second-Degree Felony | Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Florida Statutes § 832.05(5) | Florida Statutes § 832.05 |
| Georgia | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(a)(1) | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(a)(1) |
| Georgia | $500 - $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor of a High and Aggravated Nature | Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(a)(2) | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(a)(2) |
| Georgia | $1,500 - $5,000 | Felony | Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(b)(1) | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(b)(1) |
| Georgia | $5,000 or more | Felony | Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(b)(2) | Georgia Code § 16-9-20(b)(2) |
| Hawaii | Less than $750 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 | Hawaii Revised Statutes § 708-852 | Hawaii Revised Statutes - Section 708-852 |
| Hawaii | $750 - $20,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Hawaii Revised Statutes § 708-830.5 | Hawaii Revised Statutes - Section 708-830.5 |
| Hawaii | $20,000 or more | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Hawaii Revised Statutes § 706-640 | Hawaii Revised Statutes - Section 706-640 |
| Idaho | Less than $300 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Idaho Code § 18-3106 | Idaho Code - Section 18-3106 |
| Idaho | Under $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 | Idaho Code § 18-3106 (Issuing a Check Without Sufficient Funds) | Idaho Code - Check Fraud § 18-3106 |
| Idaho | $300 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Idaho Code § 18-2408 | Idaho Code - Section 18-2408 |
| Idaho | $1,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 | Idaho Code § 18-113 (Misdemeanor Punishments) / Idaho Code § 18-112 (Felony Punishments) | Idaho Code - Misdemeanor Penalties § 18-113 / Idaho Code - Felony Penalties § 18-112 |
| Illinois | Less than $150 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 720 ILCS 5/17-1(b)(1) | Illinois Compiled Statutes - Section 17-1 |
| Illinois | $150 or more | Felony | Class 4 Felony | 1 to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 720 ILCS 5/17-1(b)(2) | Illinois Compiled Statutes - Section 17-3 |
| Illinois | $150 or more with a prior conviction | Felony | Class 3 Felony | 2 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 720 ILCS 5/17-1(b)(3) | Illinois Compiled Statutes - Section 17-3 |
| Illinois | Over $500 (for forgery-related check fraud) | Felony | Class 2 Felony | 3 to 7 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) 720 ILCS 5/17-3 | Illinois Compiled Statutes - Section 17-3 |
| Indiana | Less than $750 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Indiana Code § 35-43-5-5 | Indiana Code - Section 35-43-5-5 |
| Indiana | $750 - $50,000 | Felony | Level 6 Felony | 6 months to 2.5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Indiana Code § 35-50-2-7 | Indiana Code - Section 35-50-2-7 |
| Indiana | $50,000 or more | Felony | Level 5 Felony | 1 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Indiana Code § 35-50-2-6 | Indiana Code - Section 35-50-2-6 |
| Iowa | Under $300 | Misdemeanor | Simple Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of $105 to $855 | Iowa Code § 714.1 (Theft; Fraudulent Practices) | Iowa Code - Fraudulent Practices § 714.1 |
| Iowa | $300 - $750 | Misdemeanor | Serious Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of $430 to $2,560 | Iowa Code § 714.2 (Theft; Degrees and Penalties) | Iowa Code - Theft Penalties § 714.2 |
| Iowa | $750 - $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Aggravated Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine of $855 to $8,540 | Iowa Code § 714.2 (Theft; Degrees and Penalties) | Iowa Code - Theft Penalties § 714.2 |
| Iowa | $1,500 - $10,000 | Felony | Class D Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245 | Iowa Code § 714.2 (Theft; Degrees and Penalties) | Iowa Code - Theft Penalties § 714.2 |
| Iowa | Over $10,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1,370 to $13,660 | Iowa Code § 714.2 (Theft; Degrees and Penalties) | Iowa Code - Theft Penalties § 714.2 |
| Kansas | Less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Nonperson Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Kansas Statutes § 21-5821 | Kansas Statutes - Section 21-5821 |
| Kansas | $1,500 - $25,000 | Felony | Severity Level 9 Nonperson Felony | 5 to 13 months in prison (may be probation eligible) and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Kansas Statutes § 21-6804 | Kansas Statutes - Section 21-6804 |
| Kansas | $25,000 - $100,000 | Felony | Severity Level 7 Nonperson Felony | 11 to 34 months in prison (may be probation eligible) and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Kansas Statutes § 21-6805 | Kansas Statutes - Section 21-6804 |
| Kansas | $100,000 or more | Felony | Severity Level 5 Nonperson Felony | 31 to 136 months in prison and/or a fine up to $300,000 | Kansas Statutes § 21-6806 | Kansas Statutes - Section 21-6804 |
| Kentucky | Less than $500 | Class B Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $250 | Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 514.040 | Kentucky Revised Statutes - Section 514.040 |
| Kentucky | $500 - $1,000 | Class A Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 532.060 | Kentucky Revised Statutes - Section 532.060 |
| Kentucky | $1,000 - $10,000 | Class D Felony | Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 534.030 | Kentucky Revised Statutes - Section 534.030 |
| Kentucky | $10,000 or more | Class C Felony | Felony | 5 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) § 534.031 | Kentucky Revised Statutes - Section 534.030 |
| Louisiana | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:71 | Louisiana Revised Statutes - Section 14:71 |
| Louisiana | $1,000 - $5,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $3,000 | Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:72 | Louisiana Revised Statutes - Section 14:71 |
| Louisiana | $5,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Louisiana Revised Statutes § 14:73 | Louisiana Revised Statutes - Section 14:71 |
| Maine | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Class E Crime | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A, §353 | Maine Revised Statutes - Section 17-A, §353 |
| Maine | $500 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class D Crime | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 | Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A, §1252 | Maine Revised Statutes - Section 17-A, §1252 |
| Maine | $1,000 - $10,000 | Felony | Class C Crime | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A, §1301 | Maine Revised Statutes - Section 17-A, §1301 |
| Maine | $10,000 or more | Felony | Class B Crime | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A, §1302 | Maine Revised Statutes - Section 17-A, §1301 |
| Maryland | Less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 8-103 | Maryland Code - Section 8-103 |
| Maryland | $1,500 - $25,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 7-104 | Maryland Code - Section 7-104 |
| Maryland | $25,000 - $100,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 7-105 | Maryland Code - Section 7-104 |
| Maryland | $100,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Maryland Code, Criminal Law § 7-106 | Maryland Code - Section 7-104 |
| Massachusetts | Less than $250 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $300 | Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266, Section 37 | Massachusetts General Laws - Chapter 266, Section 37 |
| Massachusetts | $250 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in state prison or up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine up to $600 | Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 266, Section 37 | Massachusetts General Laws - Chapter 266, Section 37 |
| Michigan | Less than $200 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.131a | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.131a |
| Michigan | $200 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.218 | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.218 |
| Michigan | $1,000 - $20,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.219 | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.218 |
| Michigan | $20,000 - $50,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.220 | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.218 |
| Michigan | $50,000 - $100,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.221 | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.218 |
| Michigan | $100,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000 or three times the value of the check, whichever is greater | Michigan Compiled Laws § 750.222 | Michigan Compiled Laws - Section 750.218 |
| Minnesota | $250 or less | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Minnesota Statutes § 609.535 | Minnesota Statutes - Section 609.535 |
| Minnesota | $250 - $500 | Gross Misdemeanor | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $3,000 | Minnesota Statutes § 609.52 | Minnesota Statutes - Section 609.52 |
| Minnesota | $500 - $1,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Minnesota Statutes § 609.53 | Minnesota Statutes - Section 609.52 |
| Minnesota | $1,000 - $5,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | Minnesota Statutes § 609.54 | Minnesota Statutes - Section 609.52 |
| Minnesota | $5,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000 | Minnesota Statutes § 609.55 | Minnesota Statutes - Section 609.52 |
| Mississippi | Less than $100 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Mississippi Code § 97-19-55 | Mississippi Code - Section 97-19-55 |
| Mississippi | $100 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Mississippi Code § 97-19-67 | Mississippi Code - Section 97-19-67 |
| Mississippi | $1,000 - $5,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Mississippi Code § 97-19-68 | Mississippi Code - Section 97-19-67 |
| Mississippi | $5,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Mississippi Code § 97-19-69 | Mississippi Code - Section 97-19-67 |
| Missouri | Less than $750 | Misdemeanor | Class D Misdemeanor | Up to 4 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Missouri Revised Statutes § 570.120 | Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 570.120 |
| Missouri | $750 - $25,000 | Felony | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 or double the gain from the fraud | Missouri Revised Statutes § 558.011 | Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 558.011 |
| Missouri | $25,000 or more | Felony | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 or double the gain from the fraud | Missouri Revised Statutes § 560.016 | Missouri Revised Statutes - Section 560.016 |
| Montana | Less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | Montana Code Annotated § 45-6-316 | Montana Code Annotated - Section 45-6-316 |
| Montana | $1,500 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $50,000 | Montana Code Annotated § 45-6-301 | Montana Code Annotated - Section 45-6-301 |
| Nebraska | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Class II Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-611 | Nebraska Revised Statutes - Section 28-611 |
| Nebraska | $500 - $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Class I Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-106 | Nebraska Revised Statutes - Section 28-106 |
| Nebraska | $1,500 - $5,000 | Felony | Class IV Felony | Up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-105 | Nebraska Revised Statutes - Section 28-105 |
| Nebraska | $5,000 or more | Felony | Class IIA Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine | Nebraska Revised Statutes § 28-106 | Nebraska Revised Statutes - Section 28-105 |
| Nevada | Less than $1,200 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 205.130 | Nevada Revised Statutes - Section 205.130 |
| Nevada | $1,200 - $5,000 | Felony | Category D Felony | 1 to 4 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 205.0835 | Nevada Revised Statutes - Section 205.0835 |
| Nevada | $5,000 - $25,000 | Felony | Category C Felony | 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 193.130 | Nevada Revised Statutes - Section 193.130 |
| Nevada | $25,000 or more | Felony | Category B Felony | 1 to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) § 193.131 | Nevada Revised Statutes - Section 193.130 |
| New Jersey | Less than $200 | Misdemeanor equivalent | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | New Jersey Statutes § 2C:21-5 | New Jersey Statutes - Section 2C:21-5 |
| New Jersey | $200 - $500 | Felony equivalent | Fourth-Degree Crime | Up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | New Jersey Statutes § 2C:43-3 | New Jersey Statutes - Section 2C:43-3 |
| New Jersey | $500 - $75,000 | Felony equivalent | Third-Degree Crime | 3 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Virginia Code § 18.2-181 (Issuing Bad Checks or Drafts) | Virginia Code - Check Fraud § 18.2-181 |
| New Jersey | $75,000 or more | Felony equivalent | Second-Degree Crime | 5 to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $150,000 | Virginia Code § 18.2-11 (Misdemeanor Punishments) / Virginia Code § 18.2-10 (Felony Punishments) | Virginia Code - Misdemeanor Penalties § 18.2-11 / Virginia Code - Felony Penalties § 18.2-10 |
| New Mexico | Less than $250 | Misdemeanor | Petty Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | New Mexico Statutes § 30-36-4 | New Mexico Statutes - Section 30-36-4 |
| New Mexico | $250 - $500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | New Mexico Statutes § 31-18-15 | New Mexico Statutes - Section 31-18-15 |
| New Mexico | $500 - $2,500 | Felony | Fourth-Degree Felony | Up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | New Mexico Statutes § 31-18-16 | New Mexico Statutes - Section 31-18-15 |
| New Mexico | $2,500 - $20,000 | Felony | Third-Degree Felony | Up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | New Mexico Statutes § 31-18-17 | New Mexico Statutes - Section 31-18-15 |
| New Mexico | $20,000 or more | Felony | Second-Degree Felony | Up to 9 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | New Mexico Statutes § 31-18-18 | New Mexico Statutes - Section 31-18-15 |
| New York | Under $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or fine up to $1,000 | New York Penal Law § 190.05 | New York Penal Law - Section 190.05 |
| New York | $1,000 - $3,000 | Felony | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years in prison | New York Penal Law § 190.10 | New York Penal Law - Section 190.10 |
| New York | $3,000 - $50,000 | Felony | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison | New York Penal Law § 190.15 | New York Penal Law - Section 190.15 |
| New York | $50,000 - $1,000,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 15 years in prison | New York Penal Law § 190.20 | New York Penal Law - Section 190.20 |
| New York | Over $1,000,000 | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 25 years in prison | New York Penal Law § 190.25 | New York Penal Law - Section 190.25 |
| North Carolina | Up to $2,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 120 days in jail and/or a discretionary fine | North Carolina General Statutes § 14-107(a) | North Carolina General Statutes § 14-107(a) |
| North Carolina | Over $2,000 | Felony | Class I Felony | 3 to 12 months in prison (sentencing may vary based on prior convictions) | North Carolina General Statutes § 14-107(b) | North Carolina General Statutes § 14-107(b) |
| North Dakota | Under $500 | Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $1,500 | North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-24-01 (Issuing a Check or Draft Without Sufficient Funds) | North Dakota Century Code - Check Fraud § 12.1-24-01 |
| North Dakota | $500 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 360 days in jail and/or a fine up to $3,000 | North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-32-01 (Classification of Offenses and Penalties) | North Dakota Century Code - Sentencing for Crimes § 12.1-32-01 |
| North Dakota | $1,000 - $10,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-32-01 (Classification of Offenses and Penalties) | North Dakota Century Code - Check Fraud § 12.1-24-01 |
| North Dakota | $10,000 - $50,000 | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-32-01 (Classification of Offenses and Penalties) | North Dakota Century Code - Check Fraud § 12.1-24-01 |
| North Dakota | Over $50,000 | Felony | Class A Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-32-01 (Classification of Offenses and Penalties) | North Dakota Century Code - Check Fraud § 12.1-24-01 |
| Ohio | Less than $1,000 | First-Degree Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.11 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.11 (Issuing a Bad Check) |
| Ohio | $1,000 - $7,500 | Fifth-Degree Felony | Felony | 6 to 12 months in prison and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.02 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.02 (Theft by Deception) |
| Ohio | $7,500 - $150,000 | Fourth-Degree Felony | Felony | 6 to 18 months in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.03 | Ohio Revised Code § 2929.14 (Sentencing Guidelines for Felonies) |
| Ohio | $150,000 - $750,000 | Third-Degree Felony | Felony | 9 to 36 months in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.04 | Ohio Revised Code § 2929.18 (Fines for Felonies) |
| Ohio | $750,000 or more | Second-Degree Felony | Felony | 2 to 8 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Ohio Revised Code § 2913.05 | Ohio Revised Code § 2929.24 (Sentencing Guidelines for Misdemeanors) |
| Oklahoma | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, § 1541.2 | Oklahoma Statutes - Section 21-1541.2 |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 - $2,500 | Felony | Felony | Up to 2 years in prison and/or a fine | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, § 1541.1 | Oklahoma Statutes - Section 21-1541.1 |
| Oklahoma | $2,500 - $15,000 | Felony | Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, § 1541.2 | Oklahoma Statutes - Section 21-1541.1 |
| Oklahoma | $15,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 8 years in prison and/or a fine | Oklahoma Statutes Title 21, § 1541.3 | Oklahoma Statutes - Section 21-1541.1 |
| Oregon | Less than $100 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $6,250 | Oregon Revised Statutes § 165.065 | Oregon Revised Statutes - Section 165.065 |
| Oregon | $100 - $1,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $125,000 | Oregon Revised Statutes § 161.605 | Oregon Revised Statutes - Section 161.605 |
| Oregon | $1,000 - $10,000 | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000 | Oregon Revised Statutes § 161.625 | Oregon Revised Statutes - Section 161.625 |
| Oregon | $10,000 or more | Felony | Class A Felony | Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $375,000 | Oregon Revised Statutes § 161.626 | Oregon Revised Statutes - Section 161.625 |
| Pennsylvania | Less than $200 | Misdemeanor | Third-Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 § 4105(a)(1) | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 18 § 4105 |
| Pennsylvania | $200 - $2,000 | Misdemeanor | Second-Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 2 years in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 § 4105(a)(2) | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 18 § 4105 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,000 - $10,000 | Misdemeanor | First-Degree Misdemeanor | Up to 5 years in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 § 4105(a)(3) | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 18 § 4105 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 - $100,000 | Felony | Third-Degree Felony | Up to 7 years in prison and/or a fine up to $15,000 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 § 4105(c)(1) | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 18 § 4105 |
| Pennsylvania | $100,000 or more | Felony | Second-Degree Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 18 § 4105(c)(2) | Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 18 § 4105 |
| Rhode Islands | Less than $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Rhode Island General Laws § 11-41-5 | Rhode Island General Laws - Section 11-41-5 |
| Rhode Islands | $1,500 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Rhode Island General Laws § 11-41-4 | Rhode Island General Laws - Section 11-41-4 |
| South Carolina | Under $500 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor (Similar to Class C Misdemeanor) | Up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60(A)(1) | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60 |
| South Carolina | $500 - $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor (Similar to Class A Misdemeanor) | Up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine up to $1,000 | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60(A)(2) | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60 |
| South Carolina | $1,000 - $5,000 | Felony | Felony (Similar to Class E Felony) | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine determined by the court | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60(B)(1) | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60 |
| South Carolina | $5,000 or more | Felony | Felony (Similar to Class D Felony) | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine determined by the court | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60(B)(2) | South Carolina Code § 34-11-60 |
| South Dakota | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000 | South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-30A-17.1 | South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 22-30A |
| South Dakota | $1,000 - $2,500 | Felony | Class 6 Felony | Up to 2 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $4,000 | South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-30A-17.3 | South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 22-30A |
| South Dakota | $2,500 - $5,000 | Felony | Class 5 Felony | Up to 5 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-30A-17.4 | South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 22-30A |
| South Dakota | $5,000 or more | Felony | Class 4 Felony | Up to 10 years in state prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-30A-17.5 | South Dakota Codified Laws - Chapter 22-30A |
| Tennessee | $1,000 or less | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 11 months, 29 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-14-121 | Tennessee Code Annotated - Section 39-14-121 |
| Tennessee | $1,000 - $2,500 | Felony | Class E Felony | 1 to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $3,000 | Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-111 | Tennessee Code Annotated - Section 40-35-111 |
| Tennessee | $2,500 - $10,000 | Felony | Class D Felony | 2 to 12 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-112 | Tennessee Code Annotated - Section 40-35-111 |
| Tennessee | $10,000 - $60,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | 3 to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-113 | Tennessee Code Annotated - Section 40-35-111 |
| Tennessee | $60,000 or more | Felony | Class B Felony | 8 to 30 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-35-114 | Tennessee Code Annotated - Section 40-35-111 |
| Texas | Less than $100 | Misdemeanor | Class C Misdemeanor | Fine up to $500 | Texas Penal Code § 32.41 | https://www.matthoraklaw.com/criminal-defense/theft-property-crimes/bad-check/#:~:text=Texas%20Penal%20Code%20Section%2032.41,Penal%20Code%20Ann. |
| Texas | $100 - $750 | Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in jail and/or fine up to $2,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Texas | $750 - $2,500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or fine up to $4,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Texas | $2,500 - $30,000 | Felony | State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail and/or fine up to $10,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Texas | $30,000 - $150,000 | Felony | Third-Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Texas | $150,000 - $300,000 | Felony | Second-Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison and/or fine up to $10,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Texas | Over $300,000 | Felony | First-Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life in prison and/or fine up to $10,000 | Texas Penal Code § 31.03 | https://saputo.law/criminal-law/texas/theft/ |
| Utah | Less than $500 | Misdemeanor | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Utah Code § 76-6-505 | Utah Code - Section 76-6-505 |
| Utah | $500 - $1,500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | Utah Code § 76-3-204 | Utah Code - Section 76-3-204 |
| Utah | $1,500 - $5,000 | Felony | Third-Degree Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Utah Code § 76-3-301 | Utah Code - Section 76-3-301 |
| Utah | $5,000 or more | Felony | Second-Degree Felony | 1 to 15 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Utah Code - Section 76-3-301 | |
| Vermont | Less than $900 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000 | Vermont Statutes Title 13, § 2024 | Vermont Statutes - Section 2024 |
| Vermont | $900 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Vermont Statutes Title 13, § 2002 | Vermont Statutes - Section 2002 |
| Virginia | Under $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor | Class 1 Misdemeanor: Up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500 | Vermont Statutes Title 13, § 2003 | Virginia Code - Misdemeanor Penalties § 18.2-11 / Virginia Code - Felony Penalties § 18.2-10 |
| Virginia | $1,000 or more | Felony | Class 6 Felony | Class 6 Felony: 1 to 5 years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500 (discretionary by the court) | Vermont Statutes Title 13, § 2004 | Virginia Code - Misdemeanor Penalties § 18.2-11 / Virginia Code - Felony Penalties § 18.2-10 |
| Washington | Less than $750 | Misdemeanor | Gross Misdemeanor | Up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000 | Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 9A.56.060 | Revised Code of Washington - Section 9A.56.060 |
| Washington | $750 - $5,000 | Felony | Class C Felony | Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 9A.56.100 | Revised Code of Washington - Section 9A.56.100 |
| Washington | $5,000 or more | Felony | Class B Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000 | Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 9A.20.021 | Revised Code of Washington - Section 9A.20.021 |
| West Virginia | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $500 | West Virginia Code § 61-3-39a | West Virginia Code - Section 61-3-39a |
| West Virginia | $1,000 or more | Felony | Felony | 1 to 10 years in prison, or at the court’s discretion, up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500 | West Virginia Code § 61-3-39n | West Virginia Code - Section 61-3-39n |
| Wisconsin | Less than $2,500 | Misdemeanor | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 9 months in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Wisconsin Statutes § 943.24 | Wisconsin Statutes - Section 943.24 |
| Wisconsin | $2,500 - $5,000 | Felony | Class I Felony | Up to 3 years and 6 months in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Wisconsin Statutes § 939.50 | Wisconsin Statutes - Section 939.50 |
| Wisconsin | $5,000 - $10,000 | Felony | Class H Felony | Up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Wisconsin Statutes § 939.51 | Wisconsin Statutes - Section 939.50 |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 or more | Felony | Class G Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $25,000 | Wisconsin Statutes § 939.52 | Wisconsin Statutes - Section 939.50 |
| Wyoming | Less than $1,000 | Misdemeanor | Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine up to $750 | Wyoming Statutes § 6-3-702 | Wyoming Statutes - Section 6-3-702 |
| Wyoming | $1,000 or more | Felony | Felony | Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000 | Wyoming Statutes § 6-3-901 | Wyoming Statutes - Section 6-3-901 |
Last updated: Sep 4, 2024
