Commercial Debt Collection Laws

LocationStatute of LimitationsState Interest RateBad Check LawsGeneral Garnishment Exemption
United States Open Accounts Years Contracts in Writing Years Domestic Judgments Foreign Judgments Legal Rate Judgment Rate Civil Penalty  
Alabama 3 6 20 20 6% 12% Greater of $10 or actual bank charges 75% of wages are exempt from garnishment.
Alaska 6 6 10 10 6.25% 6.25% or contractual Damages in amount equal to $100 or triple the amount of the check whichever is greater (but no more than $1,000 over the amount of the check. $1,750 per month for earning exemption. May be increased to $2,750 per month if qualified for head of household (no one else in household earning any money).
Arizona 3 6 5 4 10% 10% or contractual Twice the amount of check. costs of suit. reasonable attorney fees. See federal law.
Arkansas 3 (2 if medical) 5 10 10 (renewable) 6% or 5 points above fed. discount rate 5 points above the fed. discount rate Twice amount of check - prior to double charge- can start out with $25 per NSF check after 30 days. $500 head of family, $200 single. Include personal property except clothing.
California 4 4 10 10 10% 10% or contractual Amount due, treble damages - min $100 max $1,500 per check See federal law, exemptions for necessaries of life.
Colorado 6 6 20 6 8% 8% or contractual Treble damages and reasonable attorney fees. See federal law.