Alaska Bad Check Small Claims: How to Sue Under AS 09.68.115

Someone paid you with a check that bounced, and now they are ignoring your calls. Alaska's bad check statute (AS 09.68.115) provides civil remedies beyond the face value, but you must complete its written demand procedure before seeking statutory penalties.

The Mandatory Written Demand

Unlike most small claims cases where a demand letter is recommended but optional, bad check claims have a statutory written-demand prerequisite. Before seeking statutory penalties under AS 09.68.115, send the check writer the written demand required by the statute and follow its notice and response requirements.

Keep a copy of the written demand and records showing when and how you sent it. At the hearing, bring the check, the bank's return notice, and your demand records to document the claim and your compliance with the statutory process.

Filing Your Case

File Form SC-1 at the District Court location nearest to where the check writer lives or does business. Keep the principal claim within the $10,000 small claims limit. Before including additional statutory damages or costs, verify which amounts AS 09.68.115 allows in your case.

The filing fee is $50 for claims of $2,500 or less, or $100 for claims above $2,500. Attach copies of the bounced check, your bank's return notice showing the check was dishonored, and the written demand records.

At the Hearing

Bring the original bounced check (or a clear copy if your bank retained it), the bank's return notice, and your written demand records. The court will consider the evidence and whether you followed the statutory demand process before deciding what relief, if any, is available under AS 09.68.115.

What About Criminal Charges?

This article covers the civil recovery process under AS 09.68.115, not criminal proceedings. Questions about a possible criminal offense or state prosecution require separate official guidance.

Building Your Case

Our Alaska small claims filing guide includes a demand letter planning tool and service tracking log to help you follow the correct sequence — send the written demand required by AS 09.68.115, follow the statute's response requirements, then file and serve your case with the documentation organized for the hearing.

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