Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §363 is enacted to read:

§363.__Issuance of check on closed account

1.__A person is guilty of issuing a check on a closed account if that person intentionally or knowingly writes a check, draft or order for the payment of money against an account that has been closed.

2.__A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime, shall pay restitution in the amount of the check written on the closed account and is subject to the following:

A.__For a first offense, a fine of $500;

B.__For a 2nd offense, a term of imprisonment of not less than 14 days, which may not be suspended; and

C.__For a 3rd or subsequent offense, a term of imprisonment of not less than 30 days, which may not be suspended.

SUMMARY

This bill makes writing a check on a closed account a Class E crime. The penalties are specified, based on the number of prior offenses.