Rhode Island § 6-42-3 - Checks and Other Instruments — Dishonor

§ 6-42-3. Cause of action — Damages.

(a) If a check, draft, or other instrument has not been paid within thirty (30) days after the holder has sent a notice of dishonor to the maker or drawer of a check, draft, or other instrument that has been dishonored, pursuant to §§ 6-42-1 and 6-42-2, the holder may seek the damages provided under this section in the district court and may at the holder’s election be in accordance with the procedure for small claims set forth in chapter 16 of title 10.

(b) The maker or drawer of a dishonored check or other instrument who fails to pay the amount demanded within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notice of dishonor shall be liable to the holder for:

(1) The amount of the check or other instrument;

(2) A collection fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00);

(3) An amount equal to three (3) times the amount of the check or instrument, but in no case less than two hundred dollars ($200) and in no case more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).