Louisiana § RS 21:21 - Fraud in obtaining accommodations; worthless checks and other fraudulent acts

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 21:21 — Fraud in obtaining accommodations; worthless checks and other fraudulent acts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 21:21. Fraud in obtaining accommodations; worthless checks and other fraudulent acts

A.  No person shall:

(1)  Obtain accommodations at any hotel, inn, boarding house or restaurant or procure food without paying therefor, with intent to defraud, except when credit is given by express agreement.  

(2)  Obtain credit with intent to defraud at any hotel, inn, boarding house or restaurant for food or accommodations by a false showing of baggage or effects.  

(3)  Remove or cause to be removed any baggage or effects from any hotel, inn, boarding house or restaurant without the consent of the owner or manager before having paid the proper charges due for food or accommodations.  

(4)  Draw, endorse, utter, or deliver to any hotel, inn, boarding house or restaurant any check, draft, or order for the payment of money upon any bank or other depository, in payment of the proper charges due for food, lodging, beverages or anything of value, knowing at the time that there is not sufficient credit with the drawee bank or other depository for the payment in full of the instrument upon its presentation.  

(5)  Obtain accommodations, food, property or services by the use of a credit card, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such card has been revoked, or was obtained, is retained, or is being used fraudulently.

(6)  Obtain accommodations, food, property or services by other than the use of a credit card from any hotel, inn, boarding house or restaurant by the use of deception knowing he is without sufficient means to pay for them.  

(7)  Sell or offer to sell accommodations at any hotel during the weekend of the National Football League Superbowl game, Bayou Classic game, Sugar Bowl game, and during the period of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four Tournament, in excess of thirty percent more than the highest advertised rack rate charged by the hotel, inn, or boarding house.  

B.  Whoever violates any provision of this Section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than two years, or both.  

Amended by Acts 1958, No. 420, §1; Acts 1968, No. 539, §1; Acts 1977, No. 168, §1; Acts 1990, No. 941, §1, eff. July 25, 1990.  

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 21:21

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 21:21 cover?

Section RS 21:21 ("Fraud in obtaining accommodations; worthless checks and other fraudulent acts") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. 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 Louisiana § RS 21:21?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 21:21" (Louisiana). 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 Louisiana law?

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

How does Louisiana § RS 21:21 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.