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Expert: John Hall - 6/21/2006


Question
what is the maximum penalty a business can charge for a return check in michigan?  a business has charged me $50 and said he can charge whatever he wants-there is no limit.  also, where could i find in writing this law?  how do i go about reporting a business that over charges?

Answer
Some states have maximums set by law, and some don't.   To find out for your particular state, your best bet is to go to a legal search engine (hopefully one that is free like findlaw.com) and go to the Michigan state law to see if there is a statutory limit.    I would start with Michigan's penal code (the sections dealing with theft by check) and see where that leads you.

If the amounts that are being charged a unreasonable, and if you are otherwise having financial problems with credit cards and medical bills and paycheck advances, you may have options other than having to pay the person holding the check. Call me if you like.  I will not charge you just to talk on the phone.    661  492-2673

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John Hall

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Law school graduate, Juris Doctorate (J.D.) Degree; Over 25 years of experience throughout the United States in bankruptcy law matters (Chapters 7, 11, and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) primarily representing individual debtors with consumer debt or small businesses; Experience has included all aspects of debtor/creditor relations.

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