Key facts
- Felony threshold amountA worthless check over $1,000 is a felony charge, according to the Knox County District Attorney General's Office worthless check procedures ($1,000).[1]
- Misdemeanor penaltyIssuing or passing a worthless check is punished as theft under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-105, with value set by the check's face amount on the date of issue, per Section 39-14-121(f).[2]
- Notice periodA worthless check complaint can be based on the check writer failing to make good within 10 days after receiving written notice that the bank refused payment, when the check was presented within 30 days after it was written and notice was required, under T.C.A. Section 39-14-121 (10 days).[3]
- Prosecution notice requirementWhen the written notice of refusal is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the address on the check or in the bank's records, it can be inferred that the check writer received it no later than 5 days after mailing, under T.C.A. Section 39-14-121.[3]
- Statute citationTenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-121, worthless checks[2]
Lending rules in Tennessee: Tennessee lending laws.
Sources
- Knox County District Attorney General's Office. Worthless Check Application Procedures.
- Tennessee Attorney General. Opinion No. 09-189, Application of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-121 to instances involving the acquisition of services.
- Anderson County General Sessions Court, Tennessee. State Summons and Affidavit of Complaint, Worthless Check/Sight Order, T.C.A. Section 39-14-121.