reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 7 - Bribery; Obstructing Justice; Corrupt Influence › Subchapter III - Obstructing Justice › § 22–721. Definitions

§ 22–721. Definitions.
For the purpose of this subchapter, the term:
(1) “Court of the District of Columbia” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia or the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
(2) “Criminal investigator” means an individual authorized by the Mayor or the Mayor’s designated agent to conduct or engage in a criminal investigation, or a prosecuting attorney conducting or engaged in a criminal investigation.
(3) “Criminal investigation” means an investigation of a violation of any criminal statute in effect in the District of Columbia.
(4) “Official proceeding” means any trial, hearing, investigation, or other proceeding in a court of the District of Columbia or conducted by the Council of the District of Columbia or an agency or department of the District of Columbia government, or a grand jury proceeding.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 501, 29 DCR 3976; May 7, 1993, D.C. Law 9-268, § 2(b), 39 DCR 5702.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-721.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 7 - Bribery; Obstructing Justice; Corrupt Influence › Subchapter III - Obstructing Justice › § 22–723. Tampering with physical evidence; penalty

§ 22–723. Tampering with physical evidence; penalty.
(a) A person commits the offense of tampering with physical evidence if, knowing or having reason to believe an official proceeding has begun or knowing that an official proceeding is likely to be instituted, that person alters, destroys, mutilates, conceals, or removes a record, document, or other object, with intent to impair its integrity or its availability for use in the official proceeding.
(b) Any person convicted of tampering with physical evidence shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both.
(Dec. 1, 1982, D.C. Law 4-164, § 503, 29 DCR 3976; July 15, 2004, D.C. Law 15-174, § 301, 51 DCR 3677; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 205(cc), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-723.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 15-174 rewrote subsec. (b) which had read as follows: “(b) Any person convicted of tampering with physical evidence shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both.”
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 (b).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 205(cc) 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 8 - Burglary › § 22–801. Definition and penalty

§ 22–801. Definition and penalty.
(a) Whoever shall, either in the nighttime or in the daytime, break and enter, or enter without breaking, any dwelling, or room used as a sleeping apartment in any building, with intent to break and carry away any part thereof, or any fixture or other thing attached to or connected thereto or to commit any criminal offense, shall, if any person is in any part of such dwelling or sleeping apartment at the time of such breaking and entering, or entering without breaking, be guilty of burglary in the first degree. Burglary in the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 5 years nor more than 30 years.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section, whoever shall, either in the night or in the daytime, break and enter, or enter without breaking, any dwelling, bank, store, warehouse, shop, stable, or other building or any apartment or room, whether at the time occupied or not, or any steamboat, canalboat, vessel, or other watercraft, or railroad car, or any yard where any lumber, coal, or other goods or chattels are deposited and kept for the purpose of trade, with intent to break and carry away any part thereof or any fixture or other thing attached to or connected with the same, or to commit any criminal offense, shall be guilty of burglary in the second degree. Burglary in the second degree shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 2 years nor more than 15 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.
(Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1323, ch. 854, § 823; Dec. 27, 1967, 81 Stat. 736, Pub. L. 90-226, title VI, § 602; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 303(l), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-1801.
1973 Ed., § 22-1801.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 11-502, § 22-4001, § 23-546, and § 24-112.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 added (c).
Cross References
Firearm possession, additional, see § 22-4502.
Theft, see § 22-3211.
Unlawful entry, see § 22-3302.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 303(l) 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 8C - Protection of Police Animals › § 22–861. Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal

§ 22–861. Harassing, interfering with, injuring, or obstructing a police animal.
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term:
(1) “Police animal” means a dog, horse, or other animal used by a law enforcement agency, correctional facility, police department, fire department, or search and rescue unit or agency for the purpose of aiding in the detection of criminal activity, enforcement of laws, apprehension of criminal offenders, or search and rescue efforts, whether or not the dog, horse, or other animal is engaged in the performance of its official duties when a violation of this section occurs.
(2) “Significant bodily injury” means an injury that requires hospitalization or immediate medical attention.
(b)(1) Any person who intentionally and without justifiable and excusable cause, harasses, interferes with, injures, or obstructs a police animal when he or she has reason to believe the animal is a police animal shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned not more than 180 days or fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.
(2) Any person who violates subsection (b) of this section and causes significant bodily injury to, or the death of, a police animal shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years, or fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or both.
(3) The penalties set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall also apply to an owner or keeper of a dog or other animal who intentionally and without justifiable and excusable cause fails to restrain the dog or animal from attacking a police animal when the owner or keeper has reason to believe the animal is a police animal.
(Apr. 24, 2015, D.C. Law 20-242, § 2, 61 DCR 8312.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9 - Commercial Counterfeiting › § 22–901. Definitions

§ 22–901. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) “Counterfeit mark” means:
(A) Any unauthorized reproduction or copy of intellectual property; or
(B) Intellectual property affixed to any item knowingly sold, offered for sale, manufactured, or distributed, or identifying services offered or rendered, without the authority of the owner of the intellectual property.
(2) “Intellectual property” means any trademark, service mark, trade name, label, term, picture, seal, word, or advertisement or any combination of these adopted or used by a person to identify such person’s goods or services and which is lawfully filed for record in the Office of the Secretary of State of any state or which the exclusive right to reproduce is guaranteed under the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.
(3) “Retail value” means the counterfeiter’s regular selling price for the item or service bearing or identified by the counterfeit mark. In the case of items bearing a counterfeit mark which are components of a finished product, the retail value shall be the counterfeiter’s regular selling price of the finished product on or in which the component would be utilized.
(June 3, 1997, D.C. Law 11-271, § 2, 43 DCR 4585.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-751.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–931. Short title

§ 22–931. Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the “Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and the Elderly Act of 2000”.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 201, 47 DCR 7039; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(a), 63 DCR 10733; Apr. 27, 2021, D.C. Law 23-274, § 302(a), 68 DCR 001034.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–932. Definitions

§ 22–932. Definitions.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
(1) "Attorney General" means the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.
(2) "Court" means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
(3) "Elderly person" means a person who is 65 years of age or older.
(3A) "Undue influence" means mental, emotional, or physical coercion that overcomes the free will or judgment of a vulnerable adult or elderly person and causes the vulnerable adult or elderly person to act in a manner that is inconsistent with the vulnerable adult or elderly person's financial, emotional, mental, or physical well-being.
(4) "United States Attorney" means the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
(5) "Vulnerable adult" means a person who is 18 years of age or older and has one or more physical or mental limitations that substantially impair the person's ability to independently provide for his or her daily needs or safeguard his or her person, property, or legal interests.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 202, 47 DCR 7039; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(b), 63 DCR 10733; Apr. 27, 2021, D.C. Law 23-274, § 302(b), 68 DCR 001034.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–933. Criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult or elderly person

§ 22–933. Criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult or elderly person.
A person is guilty of criminal abuse of a vulnerable adult or elderly person if that person intentionally or knowingly:
(1) Inflicts or threatens to inflict physical pain or injury by hitting, slapping, kicking, pinching, biting, pulling hair or other corporal means;
(2) Uses repeated or malicious oral or written statements that would be considered by a reasonable person to be harassing or threatening; or
(3) Imposes unreasonable confinement or involuntary seclusion, including but not limited to, the forced separation from other persons against his or her will or the directions of any legal representative.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 203, 47 DCR 7039; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(c), 63 DCR 10733.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–933.01. Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person

§ 22–933.01. Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person.
(a) A person is guilty of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person if the person intentionally and knowingly:
(1) Uses deception, intimidation, or undue influence to obtain the property, including money, of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, with the intent to deprive the vulnerable adult or elderly person of the property or use it for the advantage of anyone other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person;
(2) Uses deception, intimidation, or undue influence to cause the vulnerable adult or elderly person to assume a legal obligation on behalf of, or for the benefit of, anyone other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person; or
(3) Violates any provision of law proscribing theft, extortion, forgery, fraud, or identity theft against the vulnerable adult or elderly person, so long as the offense was undertaken to obtain the property, including money, of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, or to cause the vulnerable adult or elderly person to assume a legal obligation on behalf of, or for the benefit of, anyone other than the vulnerable adult or elderly person.
(b) It is an affirmative defense that the accused knew or reasonably believed the victim was not a vulnerable adult or elderly person at the time of the offense, or could not have known or determined that the victim was a vulnerable adult or elderly person because of the manner in which the offense was committed. This defense shall be established by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) Repealed.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 203a; as added Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(d), 63 DCR 10733; Apr. 27, 2021, D.C. Law 23-274, § 302(c), 68 DCR 001034.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–934. Criminal negligence

§ 22–934. Criminal negligence.
A person who knowingly, willfully or through a wanton, reckless or willful indifference fails to discharge a duty to provide care and services necessary to maintain the physical and mental health of a vulnerable adult or elderly person, including but not limited to providing adequate food, clothing, medicine, shelter, supervision and medical services, that a reasonable person would deem essential for the well-being of the vulnerable adult or elderly person is guilty of criminal negligence.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 204, 47 DCR 7039; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(e), 63 DCR 10733.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–935. Exception

§ 22–935. Exception.
A person shall not be considered to commit an offense of abuse or neglect under this chapter for the sole reason that he provides or permits to be provided treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with a religious method of healing, in lieu of medical treatment, to the vulnerable adult or elderly person to whom he has a duty of care with the express consent or in accordance with the practice of the vulnerable adult or elderly person.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 205, 47 DCR 7039; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(f), 63 DCR 10733.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–936. Penalties

§ 22–936. Penalties.
(a) A person who commits the offense of criminal abuse or criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult or elderly person shall be subject to a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 180 days, or both.
(b) A person who commits the offense of criminal abuse or criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult or elderly person which causes serious bodily injury or severe mental distress shall be subject to a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.
(c) A person who commits the offense of criminal abuse or criminal neglect of a vulnerable adult or elderly person which causes permanent bodily harm or death shall be subject to a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned up to 20 years, or both.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 206, 47 DCR 7039; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 208, 60 DCR 2064; Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(g), 63 DCR 10733.)
Section References
This section is referenced in § 16-801 and § 22-951.
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 “up to $1,000” in (a), for “up to $100,000” in (b), and for “up to $250,000” in (c).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 208 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 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–936.01. Criminal penalties for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person

§ 22–936.01. Criminal penalties for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person.
(a) Any person who commits the offense of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person in violation of § 22-933.01 shall be subject to the following criminal penalties:
(1) When the value of the property or legal obligation is $1,000 or more, a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both.
(2) When the property or legal obligation has some value, a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or imprisonment for not more than 180 days, or both.
(3) In addition to the penalties set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection, a person shall make restitution, before the payment of any fines or civil penalties.
(b) A person convicted of a violation of § 22-933.01 who has 2 or more prior convictions for violating § 22-933.01, not committed on the same occasion, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 206a; as added Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(h), 63 DCR 10733.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–937. Civil penalties for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person

§ 22–937. Civil penalties for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Attorney General has reason to believe that any person has violated, or intends to violate, § 22-933.01(a), the Attorney General may bring a civil action in the Court, in the name of the District, to seek any of the following:
(1) A temporary or permanent injunction;
(2) Restitution of money or property;
(3) The cost of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees;
(4)(A) Revocation of all permits, licenses, registrations, or certifications issued by the District authorizing the person to provide services to vulnerable adults or elderly persons.
(B) Such a revocation shall be effective upon the issuance of the Court's judgment, and the person shall not be entitled to a hearing with the relevant licensing board or agency;
(5) Civil penalties of not more than $10,000 per violation; and
(6) Any other relief the Court considers just.
(b) In an action under this section:
(1) A related criminal proceeding need not have been initiated, nor judgment secured, prior to bringing the action;
(2) The Attorney General shall not be required to prove damages; and
(3) The burden of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 207; as added Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(i), 63 DCR 10733; Apr. 27, 2021, D.C. Law 23-274, § 302(d), 68 DCR 001034.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 9A - Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults and Elderly Persons › § 22–938. Injunctive relief and protections

§ 22–938. Injunctive relief and protections.
(a) Whenever the Attorney General or the United States Attorney has reason to believe that a person has engaged in financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person in violation of § 22-933.01, the Attorney General or the United States Attorney may petition the court, which may be by ex-parte motion and without notice to the person, for one or more of the following:
(1) A temporary restraining order;
(2) A temporary injunction;
(3) An order temporarily freezing the person's assets; or
(4) Any other relief the court deems just.
(b) The court may grant an ex-parte motion authorized by subsection (a) of this section without notice to the person against whom the injunction or order is sought if the court finds that facts offered in support of the motion establish that:
(1) There is a substantial likelihood that the person committed financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult or elderly person;
(2) The harm that may result from the injunction or order is clearly outweighed by the risk of harm to the vulnerable adult or elderly person if the inunction or order is not issued; and
(3) If the Attorney General or the United States Attorney has petitioned for an order temporarily freezing assets, the order is necessary to prevent dissipation of assets obtained in violation of § 22-933.01.
(c)(1) An order temporarily freezing assets without notice to the person pursuant to subsections (a)(3) and (b) of this section shall expire on a date set by the court, not later than 14 days after the court issues the order unless, before that time, the court extends the order for good cause shown.
(2) A person whose assets were temporarily frozen under paragraph (1) of this subsection may move to dissolve or modify the order after notice to the Attorney General for the United States Attorney. The court shall hear and decide the motion or application on an expedited basis.
(d) The court may issue an order temporarily freezing the assets of the vulnerable adult or elderly person to prevent dissipation of assets; provided, that the court also appoints a receiver or conservator for those assets. The order shall allow for the use of assets to continue care for the vulnerable adult or elderly person, and can only be issued upon a showing that a temporary injunction or temporary restraining order authorized by this section would be insufficient to safeguard the assets, or with the consent of the vulnerable adult or elderly person or his or her legal representative.
(June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-301, § 208; as added Nov. 23, 2016, D.C. Law 21-166, § 3(i), 63 DCR 10733.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1002. Other cruelties to animals

§ 22–1002. Other cruelties to animals.
Every owner, possessor, or person having the charge or custody of any animal, who cruelly drives or works the same when unfit for labor, or cruelly abandons the same, or who carries the same, or causes the same to be carried, in or upon any vehicle, or otherwise, in an unnecessarily cruel or inhuman manner, or knowingly and wilfully authorizes or permits the same to be subjected to unnecessary torture, suffering, or cruelty of any kind, shall be punished for every such offense in the manner provided in § 22-1001.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 135, ch. 106, § 2.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-802.
1973 Ed., § 22-802.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1002.01. Reporting requirements

§ 22–1002.01. Reporting requirements.
(a)(1) Any law enforcement or child or protective services employee who knows of or has reasonable cause to suspect an animal has been the victim of cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, or observes an animal at the home of a person reasonably suspected of child, adult, or animal abuse, shall provide a report within 2 business days to the Mayor. If the health and welfare of the animal is in immediate danger, the report shall be made within 6 hours.
(2) The report shall include:
(A) The name, title, and contact information of the individual making the report;
(B) The name and contact information, if known, of the owner or custodian of the animal;
(C) The location, along with a description, of where the animal was observed; and
(D) The basis for any suspicion of animal cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, including the date, time, and a description of the observation or incident which led the individual to make the report.
(b) When 2 or more law enforcement or child or protective services employees jointly suspect an animal has been the victim of cruelty, abandonment, or neglect, or jointly observe an animal at the home of a person reasonably suspected of child, adult, or animal abuse, a report may be made by one person by mutual agreement.
(c) No individual who in good faith reports a reasonable suspicion of abuse shall be liable in any civil or criminal action.
(d) Upon receipt of a report, any agency charged with the enforcement of animal cruelty laws shall make reasonable attempts to verify the welfare of the animal.
(e) For the purposes of this section, the terms “reasonable cause to suspect”, “suspect”, “reasonably suspected”, and “reasonable suspicion” mean a basis for reporting facts leading a person of ordinary care and prudence to believe and entertain a reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is occurring or has occurred.
(June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 61, ch. 135, § 2a; as added Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 108(b), 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1003. Rest, water and feeding for animals transported by railroad company

§ 22–1003. Rest, water and feeding for animals transported by railroad company.
No railroad company, in the carrying or transportation of animals, shall permit the same to be confined in cars for a longer period than 24 hours, without unloading the same, for rest, water, and feeding, for a period of at least 5 consecutive hours, unless prevented from so unloading by storm or other accidental causes. In estimating such confinement the time during which such animals have been confined without such rest on connecting roads from which they are received shall be included; it being the intent of this section to prohibit their continuous confinement beyond the period of 24 hours, except upon contingencies hereinbefore stated. Animals so unloaded shall be properly fed, watered, and sheltered during such rest by the owner or person having the custody thereof, or in case of his default in so doing, then by the railroad company transporting the same, at the expense of said owner or persons in custody thereof. And said company shall, in such case, have a lien upon such animals for food, care, and custody furnished, and shall not be liable for any detention of such animals authorized by this section. Any company, owner, or custodian of such animals who fails to comply with the provisions of this section shall, for each and every such offense, be liable for and forfeit and pay a penalty of not less than $1 nor more than $500; provided, however, that when animals shall be carried in cars in which they can and do have proper food, water, space, and opportunity for rest, the foregoing provisions in regard to their being unloaded shall not apply.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 135, ch. 106, § 3.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-803.
1973 Ed., § 22-803.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1005. Issuance of search warrants

§ 22–1005. Issuance of search warrants.
When complaint is made by any humane officer of the Washington Humane Society on oath or affirmation, to any magistrate authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases, that the complainant believes, and has reasonable cause to believe, that the laws in relation to cruelty to animals have been or are being violated in any particular building or place, such magistrate, if satisfied that there is reasonable cause for such belief, shall issue a search warrant, authorizing any marshal, deputy marshal, police officer, or any humane officer of the Washington Humane Society to search such building or place.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 136, ch. 106, § 5; Feb. 13, 1885, 23 Stat. 302, ch. 58, § 1; Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1195, ch. 854, § 41; June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-303, § 2(c), 47 DCR 7307.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-805.
1973 Ed., § 22-805.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-303 substituted “humane office” for “member” in two places.
Cross References
Search warrants, see §§ 23-521 to 23-525.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1006. Prosecution of offenders; disposition of fines

§ 22–1006. Prosecution of offenders; disposition of fines.
It shall be the duty of all marshals, deputy marshals, police officers, or any humane officer of the Washington Humane Society, to prosecute all violations of the provisions of §§ 22-1001 to 22-1009 and §§ 22-1011, 22-1013, and 22-1014, which shall come to their notice or knowledge, and fines and forfeitures collected upon or resulting from the complaint or information of any humane officer of the Washington Humane Society under §§ 22-1001 to 22-1009 and §§ 22-1011, 22-1013, and 22-1014 [repealed] shall inure and be paid over to said association, in aid of the benevolent objects for which it was incorporated.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 6; Feb. 13, 1885, 23 Stat. 302, ch. 58, § 1; Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1195, ch. 854, § 41; June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-303, § 2(d), 47 DCR 7307.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-806.
1973 Ed., § 22-806.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-303 substituted “humane office” for “member” in two places.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1006.02. Possession of an implement of animal fighting

§ 22–1006.02. Possession of an implement of animal fighting.
(a) Offense. A person commits the offense of possession of an implement of animal fighting when that person purposefully possesses, with the intent to use in furtherance of engaging in animal fighting, as described in § 22-1006.01, an implement of animal fighting.
(b)(1) Penalties. A person convicted of possession of an implement of animal fighting shall be fined no more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or incarcerated for no more than 10 days, or both.
(2)(A) Each implement of animal fighting possessed in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, no person shall be consecutively sentenced to more than 30 days for violations of this section that occurred within a single 90-day period.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the term "implement of animal fighting" means the following objects when used in preparation for, or in furtherance of, animal fighting:
(1) A breaking stick designed for insertion behind the molars of an animal to break the animal's grip on another animal or object;
(2) A slatmill, carpetmill or another form of improvised treadmill;
(3) A springpole that has a biting surface attached to a stretchable device, suspended at a height sufficient to prevent an animal from reaching the biting surface while touching the ground;
(4) A fighting pit or other confined area designed to contain an animal fight; or
(5) A breeding stand or rape stand used to immobilize female animals for breeding purposes.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 6b; as added Apr. 21, 2023, D.C. Law 24-346, § 3(b), 70 DCR 570.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1007. Impounded animals to be supplied with food and water

§ 22–1007. Impounded animals to be supplied with food and water.
Any person who shall impound, or cause to be impounded in any pound, any creature, shall supply the same, during such confinement, with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water; and in default thereof shall, upon conviction, be punished for every such offense in the same manner provided in § 22-1001.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 7.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-807.
1973 Ed., § 22-807.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1008. Relief of impounded animals

§ 22–1008. Relief of impounded animals.
In case any creature shall be at any time impounded as aforesaid, and shall continue to be without necessary food and water for more than 12 successive hours, it shall be lawful for any officer of the Washington Humane Society, from time to time, and as often as it shall be necessary, to enter into and upon any pound in which such creature shall be so confined, and supply it with necessary food and water so long as it shall remain so confined; such person shall not be liable to any action for such entry, and the reasonable cost for such food and water may be collected of the owner of such creature, and the said creature shall not be exempt from levy and sale upon execution issued upon a judgment thereof.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 8; Feb. 13, 1885, 23 Stat. 302, ch. 58, § 1.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-808.
1973 Ed., § 22-808.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1009. Keeping or using place for fighting or baiting of fowls or animals; arrest without warrant

§ 22–1009. Keeping or using place for fighting or baiting of fowls or animals; arrest without warrant.
Any person or persons who shall keep or use, or in any way be connected with or interested in the management of, or shall receive money for the admission of any person to any place kept or used for the purpose of fighting or baiting of fowls or animals, may be arrested without a warrant, as provided in § 44-1505, and for every such offense be punished in the same manner provided in § 22-1001.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 9.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-809.
1973 Ed., § 22-809.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1010. Penalty for engaging in cockfighting or animal fighting. [Repealed]

§ 22–1010. Penalty for engaging in cockfighting or animal fighting. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 61, ch. 135, § 6; Oct. 18, 1988, D.C. Law 7-176, § 7(d), 35 DCR 4787; Aug. 20, 1994, D.C. Law 10-151, § 103, 41 DCR 2608; June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-303, § 3(a), 47 DCR 7307.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-810.
1973 Ed., § 22-810.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of section, see § 103 of the Omnibus Criminal Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 1994 (D.C. Act 10-255, June 22, 1994, 41 DCR 4286).
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1011. Neglect of sick or disabled animals

§ 22–1011. Neglect of sick or disabled animals.
If any maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled animal shall fail to receive proper food or shelter from said owner or person in charge of the same for more than 5 consecutive hours, such person shall, for every such offense, be punished in the same manner provided in § 22-1001.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 138, ch. 106, § 10; June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 60, ch. 135, § 4.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-811.
1973 Ed., § 22-811.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-1012 and § 22-1013.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1012. Abandonment of maimed or diseased animal; destruction of diseased animals; disposition of animal or vehicle on arrest of driver; scientific experiments

§ 22–1012. Abandonment of maimed or diseased animal; destruction of diseased animals; disposition of animal or vehicle on arrest of driver; scientific experiments.
(a) A person being the owner or possessor or having charge or custody of a maimed, diseased, disabled, or infirm animal who abandons such animal, or leaves it to lie in the street or road, or public place, more than 3 hours after he or she receives notice that it is left disabled, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $10 and not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or by imprisonment in jail not more than 180 days, or both. Any agent or officer of the Washington Humane Society may lawfully destroy, or cause to be destroyed, any animal found abandoned and not properly cared for, appearing, in the judgment of 2 reputable citizens called by such officer to view the same in such officer’s presence, to be glandered, injured, or diseased past recovery for any useful purpose. When any person arrested is, at the time of such arrest, in charge of any animal, or of any vehicle drawn by any animal, or containing any animal, any agent of said society may take charge of such animal and such vehicle and its contents and deposit the same in a place of safe custody or deliver the same into the possession of the police authorities, who shall assume the custody thereof; and all necessary expenses incurred in taking charge of such property shall be a lien thereon.
(b) Nothing contained in §§ 22-1001 to 22-1009, inclusive, and §§ 22-1011 and 22-1309 shall be construed to prohibit or interfere with any properly conducted scientific experiments or investigations, which experiments shall be performed only under the authority of the faculty of some regularly incorporated medical college, university, or scientific society.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 138, ch. 106, § 11; June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 60, ch. 135, § 4; May 21, 1994, D.C. Law 10-119, § 6, 41 DCR 1639; Aug. 20, 1994, D.C. Law 10-151, § 102(b), 41 DCR 2608; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 209(b), 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-812.
1973 Ed., § 22-812.
Effect of Amendments
The 2013 amendment by D.C. Law 19-317 substituted “and not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01” for “nor more than $250” in (a).
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of section, see § 102(b) of the Omnibus Criminal Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 1994 (D.C. Act 10-255, June 22, 1994, 41 DCR 4286).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 209(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 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1012.03. Unlawful cat declawing

§ 22–1012.03. Unlawful cat declawing.
(a) Offense. A person commits unlawful cat declawing if that person knowingly performs, or causes to be performed, a partial or complete onychectomy, phalangectomy, or tendonectomy procedure ("declawing"), by any means, on a cat, except when necessary for a veterinary purpose.
(b) Penalties. A person convicted of unlawful cat declawing shall be fined no more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or incarcerated for no more than 90 days, or both.
(c) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the term "veterinary purpose" means the practice of veterinary medicine, performed by a licensed veterinarian or a certified veterinary, intended to address the medical condition of the animal, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in the claw that compromises the animal's health. The term "veterinary purpose" does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the animal.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 11c; as added Apr. 21, 2023, D.C. Law 24-346, § 3(c), 70 DCR 570.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1012.04. Additional penalties

§ 22–1012.04. Additional penalties.
Upon conviction for a violation of § 22-1001, § 22-1002, § 22-1012.01, § 22-1012.02, or § 22-1012.03:
(1) The person shall, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, forfeit the animal whose treatment was the basis of the conviction to the custody of the Washington Humane Society; and
(2) A judge may order that the person shall not:
(A) Work in any capacity that requires the person to be in contact with an animal, including a commercial boarding or training establishment, shelter, animal control facility, pet shop, grooming facility, commercial breeder service, veterinary hospital, animal clinic, animal welfare society, or other nonprofit organization incorporated for the purpose of providing welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals; or
(B) Harbor, own, possess or exercise control over an animal, reside in a household where any animals are present, or engage in an occupation, whether paid or unpaid, or participate in a volunteer position at any establishment where animals are present.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 137, ch. 106, § 11d; as added Apr. 21, 2023, D.C. Law 24-346, § 3(c), 70 DCR 570.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1013. Definitions

§ 22–1013. Definitions.
In §§ 22-1001 to 22-1009, inclusive, and § 22-1011, the word “animals” or “animal” shall be held to include all living and sentient creatures (human beings excepted), and the words “owner,” “persons,” and “whoever” shall be held to include corporations and incorporated companies as well as individuals.
(Aug. 23, 1871, Leg. Assem., p. 138, ch. 106, § 12; June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 60, ch. 135, § 3.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-813.
1973 Ed., § 22-813.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 22-1006.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1014. Docking tails of horses. [Repealed]

§ 22–1014. Docking tails of horses. [Repealed]
Repealed.
(June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 61, ch. 135, § 5; Mar. 2, 1911, 36 Stat. 1003, ch. 192; May 10, 1989, D.C. Law 7-231, § 29, 36 DCR 492; Apr. 29, 2004, D.C. Law 15-154, § 5, 50 DCR 10996.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-814.
1973 Ed., § 22-814.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 10 - Cruelty to Animals › § 22–1015. Penalty for engaging in animal fighting [Renumbered]

§ 22–1015. Penalty for engaging in animal fighting [Renumbered]
Renumbered as § 22-1006.01.
(June 25, 1892, 27 Stat. 61, ch. 135, § 6a; as added June 8, 2001, D.C. Law 13-303, § 3(a), 47 DCR 7307; Dec. 5, 2008, D.C. Law 17-281, § 109, 55 DCR 9186.)
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 11 - Cruelty to Children › § 22–1101. Definition and penalty

§ 22–1101. Definition and penalty.
(a) A person commits the crime of cruelty to children in the first degree if that person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly tortures, beats, or otherwise willfully maltreats a child under 18 years of age or engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of bodily injury to a child, and thereby causes bodily injury.
(b) A person commits the crime of cruelty to children in the second degree if that person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly:
(1) Maltreats a child or engages in conduct which causes a grave risk of bodily injury to a child; or
(2) Exposes a child, or aids and abets in exposing a child in any highway, street, field house, outhouse or other place, with intent to abandon the child.
(c)(1) Any person convicted of cruelty to children in the first degree shall be fined not more than $10,000 or be imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.
(2) Any person convicted of cruelty to children in the second degree shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01 or be imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
(Feb. 13, 1885, 23 Stat. 303, ch. 58, § 3; Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1322, ch. 854, § 814; May 21, 1994, D.C. Law 10-119, § 7, 41 DCR 1639; Aug. 20, 1994, D.C. Law 10-151, § 201, 41 DCR 2608; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 211, 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-901.
1973 Ed., § 22-901.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 24-112.
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 $10,000” in (c)(1) and (c)(2).
Cross References
Corroboration of child witness testimony, necessity, see § 23-114.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary amendment of section, see § 201 of the Omnibus Criminal Justice Reform Emergency Amendment Act of 1994 (D.C. Act 10-255, June 22, 1994, 41 DCR 4286).
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 211 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 11 - Cruelty to Children › § 22–1102. Refusal or neglect of guardian to provide for child under 14 years of age

§ 22–1102. Refusal or neglect of guardian to provide for child under 14 years of age.
Any person within the District of Columbia, of sufficient financial ability, who shall refuse or neglect to provide for any child under the age of 14 years, of which he or she shall be the parent or guardian, such food, clothing, and shelter as will prevent the suffering and secure the safety of such child, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be subject to punishment by a fine of not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, or by imprisonment in the Workhouse of the District of Columbia for not more than 3 months, or both such fine and imprisonment.
(Mar. 3, 1901, 31 Stat. 1095, ch. 847, § 4; June 11, 2013, D.C. Law 19-317, § 212, 60 DCR 2064.)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 22-902.
1973 Ed., § 22-902.
Section References
This section is referenced in § 16-801.
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 $100”.
Cross References
Intrafamily offense proceedings, see § 16-1001 et seq.
Emergency Legislation
For temporary (90 days) amendment of this section, see § 212 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 11 - Cruelty to Children › § 22–1103. Wilful neglect or refusal to support wife or minor child; punishment; order of allowance; recognizance; trial under original charge [Repealed]

§ 22–1103. Wilful neglect or refusal to support wife or minor child; punishment; order of allowance; recognizance; trial under original charge [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 586, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 165(a), (b).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 22-903 to 22-906.
2023 District of Columbia Code › Title 22 - Criminal Offenses and Penalties › Chapter 11 - Cruelty to Children › § 22–1104. Evidence of marriage; competency of witnesses; proof of wilful desertion [Repealed]

§ 22–1104. Evidence of marriage; competency of witnesses; proof of wilful desertion [Repealed]
Repealed.
(July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 586, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 165(a), (b).)
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., §§ 22-903 to 22-906.