reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 30A - Non-Consensual Pornography › § 22–3057. Jurisdiction

§ 22–3057. Jurisdiction.
A violation of § 22-3052, § 22-3053, or § 22-3054 shall be deemed to be committed in the District of Columbia if any part of the violation takes place in the District of Columbia, including when either the person depicted or the person who disclosed or published the sexual image was a resident of, or located in, the District of Columbia at the time that the sexual image was made, disclosed, or published.
(May 7, 2015, D.C. Law 20-275, § 8, 62 DCR 16.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31 - Sexual Performance Using Minors › § 22–3101. Definitions

§ 22–3101. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Knowingly” means having general knowledge of, or reason to know or a belief or ground for belief which warrants further inspection or inquiry, or both.
(2) “Minor” means any person under 18 years of age.
(3) “Performance” means any play, motion picture, photograph, electronic representation, dance, or any other visual presentation or exhibition.
(4) “Promote” means to procure, manufacture, issue, sell, give, provide, lend, mail, deliver, transfer, transmute, publish or distribute, circulate, disseminate, present, exhibit, or advertise, or to offer or agree to do the same.
(5) “Sexual conduct” means:
(A) Actual or simulated sexual intercourse:
(i) Between the penis and the vulva, anus, or mouth;
(ii) Between the mouth and the vulva or anus; or
(iii) Between an artificial sexual organ or other object or instrument used in the manner of an artificial sexual organ and the anus or vulva;
(B) Masturbation;
(C) Sexual bestiality;
(D) Sadomasochistic sexual activity for the purpose of sexual stimulation; or
(E) Lewd exhibition of the genitals.
(6) “Sexual performance” means any performance or part thereof which includes sexual conduct by a person under 18 years of age.
(Mar. 9, 1983, D.C. Law 4-173, § 2, 29 DCR 5749; Oct. 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-239, § 205(a), 57 DCR 5405.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-2011.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 7-1901 and § 16-2301.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 18-239, in pars. (2) and (6), substituted “18” for “16”.
Cross References
Adult protective services, use or threatened use of violence to force participation in sexual conduct, see § 7-1901.
Corroboration of child witness’ testimony, necessity, see § 23-114.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31 - Sexual Performance Using Minors › § 22–3102. Prohibited acts

§ 22–3102. Prohibited acts.
(a) It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia for a person knowingly to use a minor in a sexual performance or to promote a sexual performance by a minor.
(1) A person is guilty of the use of a minor in a sexual performance if knowing the character and content thereof, he or she employs, authorizes, or induces a person under 18 years of age to engage in a sexual performance or being the parent, legal guardian, or custodian of a minor, he or she consents to the participation by a minor in a sexual performance.
(2) A person is guilty of promoting a sexual performance by a minor when, knowing the character and content thereof, he or she produces, directs, or promotes any performance which includes sexual conduct by a person under 18 years of age.
(b) It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia for a person, knowing the character and content thereof, to attend, transmit, or possess a sexual performance by a minor.
(c) If the sexual performance consists solely of a still or motion picture, then this section:
(1) Shall not apply to the minor or minors depicted in a still or motion picture who possess it or transmit it to another person unless at least one of the minors depicted in it does not consent to its possession or transmission; and
(2) Shall not apply to possession of a still or motion picture by a minor, or by an adult not more than 4 years older than the minor or minors depicted in it, who receives it from a minor depicted in it unless the recipient knows that at least one of the minors depicted in the still or motion picture did not consent to its transmission.
(d) For the purposes of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the term:
(1) “Possess,” “possession,” or “possessing” requires accessing the sexual performance if electronically received or available.
(2) “Still or motion picture” includes a photograph, motion picture, electronic or digital representation, video, or other visual depiction, however produced or reproduced.
(3) “Transmit” or “transmission” includes distribution, and can occur by any means, including electronically.”.
(Mar. 9, 1983, D.C. Law 4-173, § 3, 29 DCR 5749; Oct. 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-239, § 205(b), 57 DCR 5405.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-2012.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 14-311, § 22-3020.51, § 22-3104, § 22-4001, § 22-4151, and § 23-113.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 18-239 designated the existing text as subsec. (a); in subsec. (a), substituted “18” for “16”; and added subsecs. (b) to (d).
Cross References
Sex offender registration, criminal offense against a victim who is a minor, defined, see § 24-4101.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31 - Sexual Performance Using Minors › § 22–3103. Penalties

§ 22–3103. Penalties.
Violation of this chapter shall be a felony and shall be punished by:
(1) A fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both for the first offense; or
(2) A fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both for the 2nd and each subsequent offense.
(Mar. 9, 1983, D.C. Law 4-173, § 4, 29 DCR 5749; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 233, 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-2013.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $5,000” in (1), and for “not more than $15,000” in (2).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31 - Sexual Performance Using Minors › § 22–3104. Affirmative defenses

§ 22–3104. Affirmative defenses.
(a) Under this chapter it shall be an affirmative defense that the defendant in good faith reasonably believed the person appearing in the performance was 18 years of age or over.
(b)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in any prosecution for an offense pursuant to § 22-3102(2) it shall be an affirmative defense that the person so charged was:
(A) A librarian engaged in the normal course of his or her employment; or
(B) A motion picture projectionist, stage employee or spotlight operator, cashier, doorman, usher, candy stand attendant, porter, or in any other nonmanagerial or nonsupervisory capacity in a motion picture theater.
(2) The affirmative defense provided by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply if the person described therein has a financial interest (other than his or her employment, which employment does not encompass compensation based upon any proportion of the gross receipts) in:
(A) The promotion of a sexual performance for sale, rental, or exhibition;
(B) The direction of any sexual performance; or
(C) The acquisition of the performance for sale, retail, or exhibition.
(c) It shall be an affirmative defense to a charge under § 22-3102 that the defendant:
(1) Possessed or accessed less than 6 still photographs or one motion picture, however produced or reproduced, of a sexual performance by a minor; and
(2) Promptly and in good faith, and without retaining, copying, or allowing any person, other than a law enforcement agency, to access any photograph or motion picture:
(A) Took reasonable steps to destroy each such photograph or motion picture; or
(B) Reported the matter to a law enforcement agency and afforded that agency access to each such photograph or motion picture.
(Mar. 9, 1983, D.C. Law 4-173, § 5, 29 DCR 5749; Oct. 23, 2010, D.C. Law 18-239, § 205(c), 57 DCR 5405.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-2014.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 18-239, in subsec. (a), substituted “18” for “16”; and added subsec. (c).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31A - Stalking › § 22–3131. Legislative intent

§ 22–3131. Legislative intent.
(a) The Council finds that stalking is a serious problem in this city and nationwide. Stalking involves severe intrusions on the victim’s personal privacy and autonomy. It is a crime that can have a long-lasting impact on the victim’s quality of life, and creates risks to the security and safety of the victim and others, even in the absence of express threats of physical harm. Stalking conduct often becomes increasingly violent over time. The Council recognizes the dangerous nature of stalking as well as the strong connections between stalking and domestic violence and between stalking and sexual assault. Therefore, the Council enacts this law to encourage effective intervention by the criminal justice system before stalking escalates into behavior that has even more serious or lethal consequences.
(b) The Council enacts this stalking statute to permit the criminal justice system to hold stalkers accountable for a wide range of acts, communications, and conduct. The Council recognizes that stalking includes a pattern of following or monitoring the victim, or committing violent or intimidating acts against the victim, regardless of the means.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 501, 56 DCR 7413.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 501 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 501 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31A - Stalking › § 22–3132. Definitions

§ 22–3132. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Any device” means electronic, mechanical, digital or any other equipment, including: a camera, spycam, computer, spyware, microphone, audio or video recorder, global positioning system, electronic monitoring system, listening device, night-vision goggles, binoculars, telescope, or spyglass.
(2) “Any means” includes the use of a telephone, mail, delivery service, e-mail, website, or other method of communication or any device.
(3) “Communicating” means using oral or written language, photographs, pictures, signs, symbols, gestures, or other acts or objects that are intended to convey a message.
(4) “Emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or distress that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling;
(5) “Financial injury” means the monetary costs, debts, or obligations incurred as a result of the stalking by the specific individual, member of the specific individual’s household, a person whose safety is threatened by the stalking, or a person who is financially responsible for the specific individual and includes:
(A) The costs of replacing or repairing any property that was taken or damaged;
(B) The costs of clearing the specific individual’s name or his or her credit, criminal, or any other official record;
(C) Medical bills;
(D) Relocation expenses;
(E) Lost employment or wages; and
(F) Attorney’s fees.
(6) “Personal identifying information” shall have the same meaning as provided in § 22-3227.01(3).
(7) “Specific individual” or “individual” means the victim or alleged victim of stalking.
(8) “To engage in a course of conduct” means directly or indirectly, or through one or more third persons, in person or by any means, on 2 or more occasions, to:
(A) Follow, monitor, place under surveillance, threaten, or communicate to or about another individual;
(B) Interfere with, damage, take, or unlawfully enter an individual’s real or personal property or threaten or attempt to do so; or
(C) Use another individual’s personal identifying information.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 502, 56 DCR 7413.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-951.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 502 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 502 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31A - Stalking › § 22–3133. Stalking

§ 22–3133. Stalking.
(a) It is unlawful for a person to purposefully engage in a course of conduct directed at a specific individual:
(1) With the intent to cause that individual to:
(A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person;
(B) Feel seriously alarmed, disturbed, or frightened; or
(C) Suffer emotional distress;
(2) That the person knows would cause that individual reasonably to:
(A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person;
(B) Feel seriously alarmed, disturbed, or frightened; or
(C) Suffer emotional distress; or
(3) That the person should have known would cause a reasonable person in the individual’s circumstances to:
(A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of another person;
(B) Feel seriously alarmed, disturbed, or frightened; or
(C) Suffer emotional distress.
(b) This section does not apply to constitutionally protected activity.
(c) Where a single act is of a continuing nature, each 24-hour period constitutes a separate occasion.
(d) The conduct on each of the occasions need not be the same as it is on the others.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 503, 56 DCR 7413.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-3134 and § 23-581.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 503 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 503 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31A - Stalking › § 22–3134. Penalties

§ 22–3134. Penalties.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, a person who violates § 22-3133 shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 12 months, or both.
(b) A person who violates § 22-3133 shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, if the person:
(1) At the time, was subject to a court, parole, or supervised release order prohibiting contact with the specific individual;
(2) Has one prior conviction in any jurisdiction of stalking any person within the previous 10 years;
(3) At the time, was at least 4 years older than the specific individual and the specific individual was less than 18 years of age; or
(4) Caused more than $ 2,500 in financial injury.
(c) A person who violates § 22-3133 shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both, if the person has 2 or more prior convictions in any jurisdiction for stalking any person, at least one of which was for a jury demandable offense.
(d) A person shall not be sentenced consecutively for stalking and identify theft based on the same act or course of conduct.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 504, 56 DCR 7413; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 213(d), 60 DCR 2064.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $1,000” in (a), for “not more than $10,000” in (b), and for “not more than $25,000” in (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 504 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 504 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 213(d) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31A - Stalking › § 22–3135. Jurisdiction

§ 22–3135. Jurisdiction.
(a) An offense shall be deemed to be committed in the District of Columbia if the conduct on at least one occasion was initiated in the District of Columbia or had an effect on the specific individual in the District of Columbia.
(b) A communication shall be deemed to be committed in the District of Columbia if it is made or received in the District of Columbia or, if the specific individual lives in the District of Columbia, it can be electronically accessed in the District of Columbia.
(Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 505, 56 DCR 7413.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 505 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 505 of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31B - Terrorism › § 22–3151. Short title

§ 22–3151. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002”.
(Oct. 17, 2002, D.C. Law 14-194, § 101, 49 DCR 5306.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31B - Terrorism › § 22–3153. Acts of terrorism; penalties

§ 22–3153. Acts of terrorism; penalties.
(a) A person who commits first degree murder that constitutes an act of terrorism shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life without the possibility of release.
(b) A person who commits murder of a law enforcement officer or public safety employee that constitutes an act of terrorism shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life without the possibility of release.
(c) A person who commits murder in the second degree that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life.
(d) A person who commits manslaughter that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life.
(e) A person who commits kidnapping that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life.
(f) A person who commits any assault with intent to kill that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 30 years.
(g) A person who commits mayhem or maliciously disfiguring another that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(h) A person who commits arson that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(i) A person who commits malicious burning, destruction, or injury of another’s property, if such property is valued at $500,000 or more, that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(j) A person who attempts or conspires to commit first degree murder, murder of a law enforcement officer or public safety employee, murder in the second degree, manslaughter, or kidnapping that constitutes an act of terrorism may be punished by imprisonment for not more than 30 years.
(k) A person who attempts or conspires to commit any assault with intent to kill that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(l) A person who attempts or conspires to commit mayhem or maliciously disfiguring another, arson, or malicious burning, destruction, or injury of another’s property, if such property is valued at $500,000 or more, that constitutes an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not more than 15 years.
(m) A person who provides material support or resources for an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(n) A person who solicits material support or resources to commit an act of terrorism may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 20 years.
(Oct. 17, 2002, D.C. Law 14-194, § 103, 49 DCR 5306.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 23-113.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31B - Terrorism › § 22–3154. Manufacture or possession of a weapon of mass destruction

§ 22–3154. Manufacture or possession of a weapon of mass destruction.
(a) A person who manufactures or possesses a weapon of mass destruction capable of causing multiple deaths, serious bodily injuries to multiple persons, or massive destruction of property may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life.
(b) A person who attempts or conspires to manufacture or possess a weapon of mass destruction capable of causing multiple deaths, serious bodily injuries to multiple persons, or massive destruction of property may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 30 years.
(c) In addition to any other penalty provided under this section, a person may be fined an amount not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01.
(Oct. 17, 2002, D.C. Law 14-194, § 104, 49 DCR 5306; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 307(a), 60 DCR 2064.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 added (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 307(a) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31B - Terrorism › § 22–3155. Use, dissemination, or detonation of a weapon of mass destruction

§ 22–3155. Use, dissemination, or detonation of a weapon of mass destruction.
(a) A person who uses, disseminates, or detonates a weapon of mass destruction capable of causing multiple deaths, serious bodily injuries to multiple persons, or massive destruction of property may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for life.
(b) A person who attempts or conspires to use, disseminate, or detonate a weapon of mass destruction capable of causing multiple deaths, serious bodily injuries to multiple persons, or massive destruction of property may, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment for not more than 30 years.
(c) In addition to any other penalty provided under this section, a person may be fined an amount not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01.
(Oct. 17, 2002, D.C. Law 14-194, § 105, 49 DCR 5306; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 307(b), 60 DCR 2064.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 added (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 307(b) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 31B - Terrorism › § 22–3156. Jurisdiction

§ 22–3156. Jurisdiction.
There is jurisdiction to prosecute any person who participates in the commission of any offense described in this chapter if any act in furtherance of the offense occurs in the District of Columbia or where the effect of any act in furtherance of the offense occurs in the District of Columbia.
(Oct. 17, 2002, D.C. Law 14-194, § 106, 49 DCR 5306.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 22–3202. Aggregation of amounts received to determine grade of offense

§ 22–3202. Aggregation of amounts received to determine grade of offense.
Amounts or property received pursuant to a single scheme or systematic course of conduct in violation of § 22-3211 (Theft), § 22-3221 (Fraud), § 22-3223 (Credit Card Fraud), § 22-3227.02 (Identity Theft), § 22-3231 (Trafficking in Stolen Property), or § 22-3232 (Receiving Stolen Property) may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense and the sentence for the offense.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 102, 29 DCR 3976; Aug. 2, 1983, D.C. Law 5-24, § 6, 30 DCR 3341; Apr. 20, 2012, D.C. Law 19-120, § 101(a), 58 DCR 11235.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3802.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 19-120 rewrote the section, which formerly read:
“Amounts received pursuant to a single scheme or systematic course of conduct in violation of § 22-3211 (Theft), § 22-3221 (Fraud), or § 22-3223 (Credit Card Fraud) may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense and the sentence for the offense, except that with respect to credit card fraud only amounts received within a consecutive 7-day period may be aggregated.”
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 101(a) of Receiving Stolen Property and Public Safety Amendments Emergency Amendment Act of 2011 (D.C. Act 19-261, December 21, 2011, 58 DCR 11232).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 101(a) of Receiving Stolen Property and Public Safety Amendments Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2012 (D.C. Act 19-326, March 19, 2012, 59 DCR 2384).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 22–3203. Consecutive sentences

§ 22–3203. Consecutive sentences.
(a) A person may be convicted of any combination of theft, identity theft, fraud, credit card fraud, unauthorized use of a vehicle, commercial piracy, and receiving stolen property for the same act or course of conduct; provided, that no person shall be consecutively sentenced for any such combination or combinations that arise from the same act or course of conduct.
(b) Convictions arising out of the same act or course of conduct shall be considered as one conviction for purposes of any application of repeat offender sentencing provisions.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 103, 29 DCR 3976; June 3, 1997, D.C. Law 11-275, § 12(a), 44 DCR 1408; Mar. 27, 2004, D.C. Law 15-106, § 2(b), 50 DCR 9809; Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 214(b), 56 DCR 7413.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3803.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 15-106 made nonsubstantive changes in pars. (2) and (3); and added pars. (4) and (5).
D.C. Law 18-88 rewrote the section.
Cross References
Commercial piracy, see § 22-3214.
Fraud, see § 22-3221.
Theft, see § 22-3811.
Unauthorized use of motor vehicles, see § 22-3215.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2(b) of Identity Theft Emergency Amendment Act of 2003 (D.C. Act 15-285, December 18, 2003, 51 DCR 204).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2(b) of Identity Thief Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2004 (D.C. Act 15-388, March 18, 2004, 51 DCR 3382).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 102(b) of Crime Bill Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-129, June 29, 2009, 56 DCR 5495).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 214(b) of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 214(b) of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter I - General Provisions › § 22–3204. Case referral

§ 22–3204. Case referral.
For the purposes of this chapter, in cases involving more than one jurisdiction, or in cases where more than one District of Columbia agency is responsible for investigating an alleged violation, the investigating agency to which the report was initially made may refer the matter to another investigating or law enforcement agency with proper jurisdiction.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 104; as added Dec. 10, 2009, D.C. Law 18-88, § 214(c), 56 DCR 7413.)
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 102(c) of Crime Bill Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-129, June 29, 2009, 56 DCR 5495).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 214(c) of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-181, August 6, 2009, 56 DCR 6903).
For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 214(c) of Omnibus Public Safety and Justice Congressional Review Emergency Amendment Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-227, October 21, 2009, 56 DCR 8668).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II - Theft; Related Offenses › § 22–3211. Theft

§ 22–3211. Theft.
(a) For the purpose of this section, the term “wrongfully obtains or uses” means: (1) taking or exercising control over property; (2) making an unauthorized use, disposition, or transfer of an interest in or possession of property; or (3) obtaining property by trick, false pretense, false token, tampering, or deception. The term “wrongfully obtains or uses” includes conduct previously known as larceny, larceny by trick, larceny by trust, embezzlement, and false pretenses.
(b) A person commits the offense of theft if that person wrongfully obtains or uses the property of another with intent:
(1) To deprive the other of a right to the property or a benefit of the property; or
(2) To appropriate the property to his or her own use or to the use of a third person.
(c) In cases in which the theft of property is in the form of services, proof that a person obtained services that he or she knew or had reason to believe were available to him or her only for compensation and that he or she departed from the place where the services were obtained knowing or having reason to believe that no payment had been made for the services rendered in circumstances where payment is ordinarily made immediately upon the rendering of the services or prior to departure from the place where the services are obtained, shall be prima facie evidence that the person had committed the offense of theft.
(d) A violation of § 35-252 shall not constitute a violation of this section.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 111, 29 DCR 3976; May 3, 2019, D.C. Law 22-310, § 3, 66 DCR 1395.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3811.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-3202, § 22-3212, § 23-546, § 23-581, § 27-101, and § 50-1403.02.
Cross References
Consecutive sentences for theft and certain other crimes, availability, see § 22-3203.
Enhanced penalty for crimes committed against senior citizen victims, see § 22-3601.
Forgery, see § 22-3241.
Medicaid Provider Fraud Prevention Act, penalties for violation, see § 4-802.
Merchant’s civil recovery for criminal conduct, fraud, theft and shoplifting defined, see § 27-101.
Receiving stolen property, see § 22-3232.
Trafficking in stolen property, see § 22-3231.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II - Theft; Related Offenses › § 22–3213. Shoplifting

§ 22–3213. Shoplifting.
(a) A person commits the offense of shoplifting if, with intent to appropriate without complete payment any personal property of another that is offered for sale or with intent to defraud the owner of the value of the property, that person:
(1) Knowingly conceals or takes possession of any such property;
(2) Knowingly removes or alters the price tag, serial number, or other identification mark that is imprinted on or attached to such property; or
(3) Knowingly transfers any such property from the container in which it is displayed or packaged to any other display container or sales package.
(b) Any person convicted of shoplifting shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
(c) It is not an offense to attempt to commit the offense described in this section.
(d) A person who offers tangible personal property for sale to the public, or an employee or agent of such a person, who detains or causes the arrest of a person in a place where the property is offered for sale shall not be held liable for detention, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation, or false arrest, in any proceeding arising out of such detention or arrest, if:
(1) The person detaining or causing the arrest had, at the time thereof, probable cause to believe that the person detained or arrested had committed in that person’s presence, an offense described in this section;
(2) The manner of the detention or arrest was reasonable;
(3) Law enforcement authorities were notified within a reasonable time; and
(4) The person detained or arrested was released within a reasonable time of the detention or arrest, or was surrendered to law enforcement authorities within a reasonable time.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 113, 29 DCR 3976; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(b), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3813.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 23-581 and § 27-101.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $300” in (b).
Cross References
Merchant’s Civil Recovery for Criminal Conduct, see § 27-101 et seq.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(b) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II - Theft; Related Offenses › § 22–3214.02. Unlawful operation of a recording device in a motion picture theater

§ 22–3214.02. Unlawful operation of a recording device in a motion picture theater.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) “Motion picture theater” means a theater or other auditorium in which a motion picture is exhibited.
(2) “Recording device” means a photographic or video camera, audio or video recorder, or any other device not existing, or later developed, which may be used for recording sounds or images.
(b) A person commits the offense of unlawfully operating a recording device in a motion picture theater if, without authority or permission from the owner of a motion picture theater, or his or her agent, that person operates a recording device within the premises of a motion picture theater.
(c) Any person convicted of unlawfully operating a recording device in a motion picture theater shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
(d) A theater owner, or an employee or agent of a theater owner, who detains or causes the arrest of a person in, or immediately adjacent to, a motion picture theater shall not be held liable for detention, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation, or false arrest in any proceeding arising out of such detention or arrest, if:
(1) The person detaining or causing the arrest had, at the time thereof, probable cause to believe that the person detained or arrested had committed, or attempted to commit, in that person’s presence, an offense described in this section;
(2) The manner of the detention or arrest was reasonable;
(3) Law enforcement authorities were notified within a reasonable time; and
(4) The person detained or arrested was released within a reasonable time of the detention or arrest, or was surrendered to law enforcement authorities within a reasonable time.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 114b; as added Oct. 31, 1995, D.C. Law 11-73, § 2(b), 42 DCR 3277; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(e), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3814.2.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $300” in (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(e) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II - Theft; Related Offenses › § 22–3216. Taking property without right

§ 22–3216. Taking property without right.
A person commits the offense of taking property without right if that person takes and carries away the property of another without right to do so. A person convicted of taking property without right shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 116, 29 DCR 3976; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(g), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3816.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $300”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(g) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II-A - Theft of Utility Service › § 22–3218.01. Definitions

§ 22–3218.01. Definitions.
For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Company” means a person or enterprise engaged in the generation or distribution of natural gas or electricity.
(2) “Person” means any individual, corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, joint stock company, or other entity.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 118; as added June 12, 2003, D.C. Law 14-310, § 15, 50 DCR 1092.)
Editor's Notes
The provisions of D.C. Law 14-310 replaced the provisions of D.C. Law 13-281. D.C. Law 13-281 was ineffective because of a defective effective date clause for Title 22.
Delegation of Authority
Delegation of Authority Under D.C. Law 13-281, the “Abatement and Condemnation of Nuisance Property Omnibus Amendment Act of 2002”, see Mayor’s Order 2002-33, March 1, 2002 ( 49 DCR 1875).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II-A - Theft of Utility Service › § 22–3218.02. Unlawful acts

§ 22–3218.02. Unlawful acts.
Unless a person shall be authorized, or employed by, a company engaged in the generation or distribution of natural gas or electricity, a person shall not willfully connect or disconnect an electrical conductor belonging to the company; make any connection with an electrical conductor for the purpose of using or wasting the electric current or gas; tamper with a meter used to register gas or current consumed; interfere with the operation of an electrical or gas appliance of the company; or tamper, or interfere, with the poles, wires, or conduits used by the company. Nothing in this section shall prevent the lawful governmental regulation of gas or electric companies or electricity suppliers, or their conductors, appliances, machinery, and poles.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 118a; as added June 12, 2003, D.C. Law 14-310, § 15, 50 DCR 1092.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-3218.03 and § 22-3218.04.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II-A - Theft of Utility Service › § 22–3218.03. Presumptions and rebuttal evidence

§ 22–3218.03. Presumptions and rebuttal evidence.
(a) The presence of a connection, wire, conductor, meter alteration, or any device which effects the diversion of electric current or gas without the current or gas being measured or registered by or on a meter installed by a company engaged in the generation or distribution of electricity or natural gas, whether on a single property or within a multiple-unit building or complex, shall constitute prima facie evidence of intent to violate § 22-3218.02.
(b) If a check or test meter installed or employed by a company engaged in the generation or distribution of electricity or natural gas shows that a person is using a larger amount of electricity than is registered on the meter installed by the company on the person’s premises for the purpose of registering the natural gas or electricity used by the person, and the company has verified that the meter is not malfunctioning, it shall constitute prima facie evidence that the unregistered current or gas has been wrongfully diverted by such person and shall constitute prima facie evidence of intent to violate § 22-3218.02.
(c) The presumptions created by this section may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary that the person alleged to have violated § 22-3218a did not do so. If the person in actual possession of the property or unit has not received the direct benefit of the reduction of the cost in electric or gas services, the presumptions created by this section shall apply to the owner of the property or unit; provided, that the owner has received the direct benefit of unregistered services for at least one full billing cycle.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 118b; as added June 12, 2003, D.C. Law 14-310, § 15, 50 DCR 1092.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter II-A - Theft of Utility Service › § 22–3218.04. Penalties for violation

§ 22–3218.04. Penalties for violation.
(a) A person who violates § 22-3218.02 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon a conviction, shall be imprisoned for not more than 60 days, or fined, not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, a person who violates § 22-3218.02 shall be imprisoned for not more than 180 days, or fined, not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.
(b) In addition to the criminal penalties in subsection (a) of this section, a person who is found to have violated § 22-3218.02 in a civil proceeding shall be liable to the company using or engaged in the generation or distribution of electricity or gas for restitution of the amount of any losses or damage sustained.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 118c; as added June 12, 2003, D.C. Law 14-310, § 15, 50 DCR 1092; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(h), 60 DCR 2064.)
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317, in (a), substituted the first occurrence of “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $500”, and the second occurrence for “not more than $1,500”.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(h) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter III - Fraud; Related Offenses › § 22–3221. Fraud

§ 22–3221. Fraud.
(a) Fraud in the first degree. — A person commits the offense of fraud in the first degree if that person engages in a scheme or systematic course of conduct with intent to defraud or to obtain property of another by means of a false or fraudulent pretense, representation, or promise and thereby obtains property of another or causes another to lose property.
(b) Fraud in the second degree. — A person commits the offense of fraud in the second degree if that person engages in a scheme or systematic course of conduct with intent to defraud or to obtain property of another by means of a false or fraudulent pretense, representation, or promise.
(c) False promise as to future performance. — Fraud may be committed by means of false promise as to future performance which the accused does not intend to perform or knows will not be performed. An intent or knowledge shall not be established by the fact alone that one such promise was not performed.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 121, 29 DCR 3976.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3821.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-3202, § 27-101, § 31-5606.04, and § 44-151.15.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 32 - Theft; Fraud; Stolen Property; Forgery; and Extortion › Subchapter III - Fraud; Related Offenses › § 22–3224. Fraudulent registration

§ 22–3224. Fraudulent registration.
(a) A person commits the offense of fraudulent registration if, with intent to defraud the proprietor or manager of a hotel, motel, or other establishment which provides lodging to transient guests, that person falsely registers under a name or address other than his or her actual name or address.
(b) Any person convicted of fraudulent registration shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or imprisoned for not more than 90 days, or both.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 124, 29 DCR 3976; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(k), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-3824.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “not more than $300” in (b).
Cross References
Rights and liabilities of hotel and lodging housekeepers, see §§ 30-101 to 30-103.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(k) of the Criminal Fine Proportionality Emergency Act of 2013 (D.C. Act 20-45, April 1, 2013, 60 DCR 5400, 20 DCSTAT 1300).
Editor's Notes
Applicability of D.C. Law 19-317: Section 401 of D.C. Law 19-317 provided that the act shall apply only to offenses committed on or after June 11, 2013.