Colorado § 4-3-414 - Obligation of drawer.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 4-3-414 — Obligation of drawer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-3-414. Obligation of drawer.

(a) This section does not apply to cashier's checks or other drafts drawn on the drawer.

(b) If an unaccepted draft is dishonored, the drawer is obliged to pay the draft (i) according to its terms at the time it was issued or, if not issued, at the time it first came into possession of a holder, or (ii) if the drawer signed an incomplete instrument, according to its terms when completed, to the extent stated in sections 4-3-115 and 4-3-407. The obligation is owed to a person entitled to enforce the draft or to an indorser who paid the draft under section 4-3-415.

(c) If a draft is accepted by a bank, the drawer is discharged, regardless of when or by whom acceptance was obtained.

(d) If a draft is accepted and the acceptor is not a bank, the obligation of the drawer to pay the draft if the draft is dishonored by the acceptor is the same as the obligation of an indorser under section 4-3-415 (a) and (c).

(e) If a draft states that it is drawn "without recourse" or otherwise disclaims liability of the drawer to pay the draft, the drawer is not liable under subsection (b) of this section to pay the draft if the draft is not a check. A disclaimer of the liability stated in subsection (b) of this section is not effective if the draft is a check.

(f) If (i) a check is not presented for payment or given to a depositary bank for collection within thirty days after its date, (ii) the drawee suspends payments after expiration of the thirty-day period without paying the check, and (iii) because of the suspension of payments, the drawer is deprived of funds maintained with the drawee to cover payment of the check, the drawer to the extent deprived of funds may discharge its obligation to pay the check by assigning to the person entitled to enforce the check the rights of the drawer against the drawee with respect to the funds.

Source: L. 94: Entire article R&RE, p. 867, § 1, effective January 1, 1995.

Editor's note: This section is similar to former § 4-3-413 as it existed prior to 1994.

ANNOTATION

The drawer of a check is not presumed to know the signature of the payee. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. v. First Nat'l Bank, 95 Colo. 34, 32 P.2d 268 (1934) (decided under repealed laws antecedent to CSA, C. 112 § 61, negotiable instruments law).

Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 4-3-414

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 4-3-414 cover?

Section 4-3-414 ("Obligation of drawer.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Colorado § 4-3-414?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 4-3-414" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Colorado law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

How does Colorado § 4-3-414 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.