BOTTOM LINE COLLECTION SERVICES
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COLLECTION LAWS BY STATE
Bad check Law: UCC article 3 section 806 provides recovery of all reasonable costs & expenses. By State appears below.
States with community property laws are noted with an asterisk (*)
If your Terms call for higher interest than what is listed on this page, and if your Terms are legal (not based on appearing on Statements or Invoices - call for how to properly perfect), your interest rate supersedes those listed here.
DISCLAIMER:
The statutes listed here are for information purposes only and are not
to be relied on in any legal proceedings. This information is provided
to give you a general idea if an aged claim can be pursued. In reality,
you should never allow a debt due you to be open to the point of
questioning whether you have the right to pursue the claim through the
courts.
We disclaim any liability by any party who uses this information. In the event that you are considering whether or not to pursue a claim based on the information contained here, the staff of Bottom Line Collection Services can review your claim to determine if you can take certain action. We are able to contact a Debtor who is beyond the Statute of Limitations to determine if your claim can be collected without legal proceedings. In the event legal proceedings are required, we can determine if you have the legal right to pursue your claim through the use of a lawsuit.
ALABAMA Bottom Line Collection Services - Alabama Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE -Legal: 6% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS)- Open Acct: 3 - Written contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) -Actual Bank charges
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% of wages are exempt from garnishment
ALASKA Bottom Line Collection Services - Alaska Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10.5% - Judgment 10.5% or contractual
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) Sale of Goods: 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Damages in amount equal to $100 or triple the amount of the check whichever is greater. But no more than $1000 over the amount of the checks.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75* of employee's weekly net income or $402.50 whichever is more.
* ARIZONA Bottom Line Collection Services - Arizona Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10% or contractual
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 6 in Az. - 4 outside Az. - Domestic Judgment 5-additional 5 upon request (indefinitely) - Foreign Judgment 4
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Twice the amount of check, costs of suit, reasonable attorney fees.
GENERAL
GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
ARKANSAS
Bottom Line Collection
Services - Arkansas Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% or 5 points above the Fed. discount rate Judgment 5 points above the Federal discount rate or 10% per annum whichever is less
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 5 (partial payment stops the statute from running) - Sale of Goods: (UCC-2) - 4 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Renewable - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) -Twice the amount of check - prior to double charge - can start out with $15 charge per NSF check after 30 days.
GENERAL
GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - $500 head of family; $200 single.
Includes personal property except clothing.
*CALIFORNIA Bottom Line Collection Services - California Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10% (Unless otherwise contracted)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: Reduced to writing - 4 - Open Acct: No writing - 2 - Written Contract 4 - Domestic Judgment 10 (renewable at 10) - Foreign Judgment 10 (commencing with judgment debtor's commencement of CA residence)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, Treble damages - minimum $100 maximum $1500 per check
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law. Exemptions for necessities of life.
COLORADO Bottom Line Collection Services - Colorado Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE -Legal: 8% - Judgment 8% (or higher if specified in contract or note)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 (signed promissory note) - Written Contract Goods Services: 3 - Domestic Judgment District Court 20 (renewable every 20) County Court - 6 (renewable every 6) - Foreign Judgment 6 in CO
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Treble Damages & Reasonable Fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
CONNECTICUT Bottom Line Collection Services - Connecticut Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment 10%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Oral Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 20/25 - Small Claims Judgment 10/15 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Personal liability of signatory on corporate claims unless signed in corporate capacity.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -25% you may garnish disposable earnings each week, or 40 x fed. mm. hourly wage, whichever is less.
DELAWARE
Bottom Line Collection
Services - Delaware Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal + Judgment -Federal Reserve Discount Rate Plus 5% Points
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Sale of Goods: 4 - Open Acct.: 4 - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment No provision - Foreign Judgment No provision
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, cost of suit, protest tees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 85% of disposable earnings or disposable earnings minus 127.50 weekly according to schedule.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Bottom Line Collection
Services - District of Columbia Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 70% of interest rates on taxes to IRS
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment Foreign Statute
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount Due - Protest Fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law. D.C. Government employees are not attachable.
FLORIDA Bottom Line Collection Services - Florida Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10% or contractual
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 7 Renewable - Foreign Judgment Sit not recorded in-state
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - After 30 day demand-treble amount in addition to amount owed, bank & court costs & reasonable attorney fees.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law except 100% head of household. - Liberal Homestead Exemption - 1st $1,000 of automobile
GEORGIA Bottom Line Collection Services - Georgia Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 7% - Judgment 12% - Commercial Accounts: 18%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment .7 - Foreign Judgment 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - After 10 day written demand double damages up to $500 and service charge ot $20 or 5%, whichever is greater.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law. City, County & State employees may be garnished.
HAWAII Bottom Line Collection Services - Hawaii Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10% (no written contract)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Sale of Goods: 4 - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 6 for regis./10 after regis.
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Damages equal to $100 or triple amount of check, not to exceed $500.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 95% of 1St $100 - 90% of 2nd $100 - 80% net wages in excess of $200 per mo. or federal limits whichever is greater.
* IDAHO Bottom Line Collection Services - Idaho Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% - Judgment 10.875% plus the base rate
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Oral Contract 4 - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 5 renewable - Foreign Judgment 6 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Triple amount of check up to $500 over the check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
ILLINOIS Bottom Line Collection Services - Illinois Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 5% Judgment 9%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Sales (UCC): 4 - Open Acct: 5 - Written Contract 10 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment Same as foreign jurisdiction
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Triple check amount up to $500, attorney fees & court costs.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 15% of gross wages or disposable earnings for workweek up to 45 x ted. mm. hourly wage, whichever is greater.
INDIANA Bottom Line Collection Services - Indiana Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment 8%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract for payment of money -(executed before 9/1/82): 10 (executed after 8/31/82): 6 - Written contract (other than payment of money): 10 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Triple check amount up to $500 over check amount + attorney fees & interest upto 18% per annum or 25% of triple check amount + attorney tees and interest at 8% per annum.
GENERAL WAGE GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% of disposable earnings for workweek or the amount of 30 x ted. mm. hourly wage, whichever is greater.
IOWA Bottom Line Collection Services - Iowa Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 5% - Judgment 10%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 5 - Written Contract 10 - Domestic Judgment 10 - can be renewed in the next year - Foreign Judgment 10 - can be renewed in the next year
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Triple check up to $500 over check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
KANSAS Bottom Line Collection Services - Kansas Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 4 percentage points above the discount rate
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 5 renewable - Foreign Judgment 5 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Three times check amount not exceeding the check amount, $500 or $100 whichever is greater plus attorney tees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law. Plus other personal property, benefit exemptions, and homestead
KENTUCKY Bottom Line Collection Services - Kentucky Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 5 - Written Contract 15 - Oral Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 15 - Foreign Judgment 15
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -25% of disposable income or 30 times the federal minimum hourly wage (whichever is less)
LOUISIANA Bottom Line Collection Services - Louisiana Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE FOR 1996 - Legal: 9.75% - Judgment 9.75%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 10 - Promissory Notes: 5 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - After 30 day written demand (certified or registered), twice check amount Attorney fees & court costs.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% disposable earnings per week, but not less than 30 x fed. hourly wage.
MAINE Bottom Line Collection Services - Maine Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% Post - Judgment 15% annual (less than $30,000) T-Bill rate over $30,000
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 + 20 Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, court costs, service costs & collection costs
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - You may garnish 25% of disposable income or 40 times the federal minimum wages per week (whichever is less) After Judgment only.
MARYLAND Bottom Line Collection Services - Maryland Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 10% or contractual
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - UCC:4 - Specialty: 12 (contract under seal) - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 12 - Foreign Judgment 12
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - After 30 day written notice, amount due, $25 fee, twice check amount up to $1000. (At the discretion of the court.) Applies to COD sales only.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Greater of 75% of amount to $145 x no. of wks. in which wages due were earned, except in Caroline, Worchester, Kent & Queen Anne's Counties, see federal law. Exemption is up to $3,000 in cash and/or property.
MASSACHUSETTS Bottom Line Collection Services - Massachusetts Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 12% - Contract 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct on Contract 6 - Contract 6 - Sales (UCC) Contract 4 - Domestic Judgment 20 (presumed satisfied after 20 years) - Foreign Judgment 20 - Contract Under Seal: 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, costs of suit, protest fees Additional damages $100 - $500 can be assessed.
MICHIGAN Bottom Line Collection Services - Michigan Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 5% - Judgment 6.953 changes semi-annually - Usuary limit 25%
STATUTE OF LIMITATION (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Sales (UCC) Contract 4 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Twice the amount of check - not to exceed $500. Retail Claims - Notice Required.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Federal Law.
MINNESOTA Bottom Line Collection Services - Minnesota Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 5% (Changes Yearly) Business or Agricultural Loan: 4½% over federal discount rate
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Goods Sold & Delivered (UCC): 4 - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Transportation Service: 3 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, $100 penalty, judgment interest rate, reasonable attorneys fees (if check over $1250), $15 service charge.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Greater of 75% or amount to 40 x fed. mm. hourly wage.
MISSISSIPPI Bottom Line Collection Services - Mississippi Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment amount in contract if no contract amount court decides
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 3 UCC: 6 - Domestic Judgment 7 - Foreign Judgment 7(3 if resident)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - On checks $100 or more - not more than $1000 fee + court may impose fee of no more than 85% of the check value. Criminal penalties & restitution apply.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
MISSOURI Bottom Line Collection Services - Missouri Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 9% - Judgment 9%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Sale of Goods 4 - Open Acct: 5 - Written Contract 10 (Money & Property) - Domestic Judgment 10 (Revived every 10 year) - Foreign Judgment 10 (revived every 10 years)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Three times face amount owed plus attorney’s fees.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See
Federal law; exempt 90% of week’s net pay, head of household, single
person w/o dependants. = 75%
MONTANA Bottom Line Collection Services - Montana Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Contract not in Writing 5 - Written Contract 8 - Domestic Judgment 10 (District Court)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - $100 minimum or 3 times face value up to $ 500 plus face value of check and under UCC the value of the check plus $30 service charge per check,
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See Federal law. State law provides for executions
NEBRASKA Bottom Line Collection Services - Nebraska Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% per written instrument or contract rate - Judgment 2% above the bond investment yield of the 28 week U.S. Treasury Bill
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 5 renewable every 5 - Foreign Judgment 5 non-renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, costs, protest fees
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -
Greater of 75% disposable earnings (85% if head of household), or 30x
fed. Minimum hourly wage.
NEVADA Bottom Line Collection Services - Nevada Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Contract rate always prevails. If no contract: Pre-Judgment: Statutory rate = 2% Over Prime as determined by 3 largest NV banks and adjusted every 6 months. Judgment: Same as pre-judgment
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 6 - Lease 4 - Domestic Judgment 6 - Foreign Judgment 6
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, protest fees three times check amount not more than $500, or less than $100.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -
Wages no more than 25% of Disposable earnings for each week or 30 times
federal minimum hourly wage (Whichever is less) except for support
orders.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Bottom Line Collection Services - New Hampshire Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Judgment 2005-4%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - For Goods 4 - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, interest, court costs, reasonable attorneys’ fees & $10 per business day (max $500). If statutory notice is sent. (RSA 544-B)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 50 x fed. min. hourly wage - All future wages are exempt so that the court cannot issue an ongoing order.
NEW JERSEY Bottom Line Collection Services - New Jersey Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: up to 30% - as provided for by contract - Judgment changes yearly. In 2005 - 1% on judgments up to $15,000. On judgments in excess of $15, 000, an additional 2% is added to the interest rate.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Sale of Goods 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Face amount of the check plus 3x the face value of the check, with the civil penalty not to exceed $500.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - $154.50 wk. min. 10% of gross earnings $154.50 & Over
NEW MEXICO
Bottom Line Collection Services - New Mexico
Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Judgment 8.75% (in the absence of a written contract)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 14 - Foreign Judgment 14
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, triple damages up to $500 per check. Complex requirements need to be met.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -
Greater of 75% or amount each wk. = to 40 x fed. min. hourly wage.
NEW YORK Bottom Line Collection Services - New York Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 16% - Judgment 9%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Sale of Goods 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 20 (10 yr. renewable lien) - Foreign Judgment 20 (10 yr. renewable lien)
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Face value of check plus two times check amount up to a maximum of $400 on NSF or $750 on "no account" (Demand prescribed by law). GEN.OB.1.1-104.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 90%
of earnings, except 1st $154.50 wk. wholly exempt (only if
the person earns minimum wage).
NORTH CAROLINA Bottom Line Collection Services - North Carolina Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment 8%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Sale of Goods 4 - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - 30 day written demand lesser of $500 or 3x check amount, but not less than $100
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 100% of last 60 days’ earnings for family support.
NORTH DAKOTA Bottom Line Collection Services - North Dakota Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct. for services: 6 - Sale of Goods 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable - Foreign Judgment 10 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, collection fees of $25, and civil penalty by civil action for lesser of $200 or 3x check. Effective 08/01/01.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Greater of 75% or amount each wk. = to 40 x fed. min. hourly wage. Plus $20.00 each household dependent.
OHIO Bottom Line Collection Services - Ohio Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 1% above short rate pursuant to Ohio Revised code 134303 (for 2005 rate is 5%) - Judgment 10% (unless written contract)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Sales Contract (UCC2-725) - Written Contract 15 - Domestic Judgment 21 renew every 5 - Foreign Judgment 21 renew every 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - The greater of $200 or three times the amount of check and attorney fees (no maximum)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See
federal law.
OKLAHOMA Bottom Line Collection Services - Oklahoma Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% unless specified in contract - Judgment 5.63% for 2003 (4% over U.S. Treasury Bill Rate of previous year)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Sale of Goods Governed by UCC: 5 - Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 5 renewable - Foreign Judgment 5 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -
State law: 75% of earnings exempted, more if hardship established. All
federal exemptions apply.
OREGON Bottom Line Collection Services - Oregon Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Statutory + Judgment: 9% simple interest per annum (Unless specified by contract)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Sale of Goods 6 (4 yrs UCC Transaction) - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable at 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Can recover reasonable attorney fees & statutory damages of three times the amount of the NSF check or $500 maximum if demand letter is sent to debtor 30 days before suit is filed.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% of disposable earnings over and above minimum wage
PENNSYLVANIA Bottom Line Collection Services - Pennsylvania Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% - Judgment 6%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 4 - Domestic Judgment 5 (writ of revival within 5 yrs) - Foreign Judgment 4
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 100% of wages, certain pensions, retirement accounts & Keogh plan under certain circumstances and $300
PUERTO RICO Bottom Line Collection Services - Puerto Rico Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% changes every 6 months (01/01/2005-06/30/2005) - Judgment regulated by the Commissioner of the Board of Financial Institutions every 6 months
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 - Merchandise Open Acct: 3 - Written Contract 15 - Mortgage 20 - Domestic Judgment 15 - Foreign Judgment 15
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - See articles 1851-1856 of the Puerto Rico Penal Code regarding bad check laws.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% of last 30 days’ earnings for family support
RHODE ISLAND Bottom Line Collection Services - Rhode Island Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct:10 - Written Contract 10 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount of check, $25 fee & treble damage up to $1000
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law
SOUTH CAROLINA Bottom Line Collection Services - South Carolina Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8.75% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3-see SC Code Section 36-2-725 - Sale Goods (UCC): 6 - Written Contract 3 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10 - Written Contract under Seal 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Court costs amount of check & damages up to $500 or 3x check amount whichever is smaller. See SC Code Section 34-11-90 for requirements to collect damages.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Garnishment not available in SC
SOUTH DAKOTA Bottom Line Collection Services - South Dakota Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% - Judgment 10%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Sale of Goods 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable for 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 20% of the individuals disposable earnings for a continuing lien
TENNESSEE Bottom Line Collection Services - Tennessee Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 10% (or contract rate, whichever is greater)
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law.
TEXAS
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 18% with an agreement; can charge up to 6% without agreement - Judgment 5.5%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct:4 - Written Contract 4 - Promissory Note 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable - Foreign Judgment 10 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - N/A
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 100% of Wages
UTAH Bottom Line Collection Services - Utah Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 10% - Judgment 3.41%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 4 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 8 - Foreign Judgment 8
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Certified statutory bad check notice must be sent. Amount due, interest, court costs, reasonable attorney’s fees, plus damage equal to greater of $100 or three times check amount (not to exceed check amount plus $500)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS -
$142.50 of disposable earnings for wages paid weekly
VERMONT Bottom Line Collection Services - Vermont Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Retail Installment Contracts 3 - Witnessed Promissory Note 14 - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 8 - Foreign Judgment 8
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Court costs, amount of check, attorney’s fees, damage of $50. (Notices required)
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 75% of earning above minimum wage or what is necessary to live. 85% if personal, family or house held debt.
VIRGINIA Bottom Line Collection Services - Virginia Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 8% - Judgment 9% or contract rate whichever is higher
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 3 Last charge or payment - Written Contract 5 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 10 - Sales of goods under article 2 is 4 years
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Lesser of $250 or three times check amount
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See federal law
WASHINGTON Bottom Line Collection Services - Washington Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 12% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 10 renewable - Foreign Judgment 10 renewable
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Interest at rate specified in instrument or, if no specified rate, 12% interest plus collection costs up to $40. If taken to court, reasonable attorney’s fees, 3 x value, or up to $800. Have 6 years to enforce a bad check.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - Greater of 75% or $206 wk. (30 x state min. hourly wage)
WEST VIRGINIA Bottom Line Collection Services - West Virginia Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 6% (Contract rate prevails. Contract rate can vary between 18% and 31% max) - Judgment 10%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 5 - Written Contract 10 - Domestic Judgment 10 - Foreign Judgment 10
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount due, service charge up to $10. If check is under $500.00 = misdemeanor. Over $500.00 = felony.
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - See West VA code 38-5A-3-Employees with hold 20% of disposable income or 30x the minimum hourly rate, whichever is less. Other exemptions apply.
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 5% - Judgment 12%
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 6 - Written Contract 6 - Domestic Judgment 20 - Foreign Judgment 20
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Amount of check plus actual damages + exemplary damages up to three times value of check. Limited to $300
GENERAL GARNISHMENT EXEMPTIONS - 80% of net pay
WYOMING Bottom Line Collection Services - Wyoming Collection Agency - Collection Service
INTEREST RATE - Legal: 7% - Judgment contract rate or 10% judgment rate
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS (IN YEARS) - Open Acct: 8 - Written Contract 10 - Domestic Judgment 5 - Foreign Judgment 5
BAD CHECK LAWS (CIVIL PENALTY) - Three times amount of check but not less than $100 plus collection fee of $30
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