District Of Columbia § 28-3813 - Consumers’ remedies.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 28-3813 — Consumers’ remedies., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28-3813. Consumers’ remedies.
28-3813The remedies provided by this section shall be liberally administered to the end that the consumer as the aggrieved party shall be put in at least as good a position as if the creditor had fully complied with this chapter. Except as is otherwise specifically provided where there are wilful and repeated violations of this chapter consequential and special damages may be had in lieu of the specific penalties allowed, and in addition punitive damages may be had as indicated.
Any right or obligation declared by this chapter is enforceable by action unless the provision declaring it specifies a different and limited effect.
“Transaction total” means —
in the case of transactions pursuant to open end credit plans or consumer credit transactions, the total of the following calculated as if the amount or amounts financed were paid over the maximum period of the plan or, if there is no such period, over twelve months beginning with the next billing cycle or cycles following the transaction or transactions:
the amount financed, plus any down payment or required deposit balance, and
the total finance charge, including any prepaid finance charge;
in the case of other than open end transactions or consumer credit transactions, the total of the following:
the amount financed, plus any down payment or required deposit balance, and
the amount of all precomputed or precomputable finance charge, including any prepaid finance charge.
In the discretion of the court, a consumer may recover from the person violating this chapter, in addition to the damages the law otherwise allows, 10% of the transaction total, if applicable, or $100, whichever is greater, for violations to which this section applies.
This section also applies to all violations for which no other remedy is specifically provided.
If a consumer prevails in a suit brought under this chapter, the court may assess reasonable attorney’s fees in addition to any other amounts recoverable under this chapter.
Any charge, practice, term, clause, provision, security interest, or other action or conduct which can be shown to be in wilful violation of the provisions of this chapter shall confer no rights or obligations enforceable by action.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 28-3813
What does D.C. Code § 28-3813 cover?
Section 28-3813 ("Consumers’ remedies.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 28-3813?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 28-3813" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 28-3813 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.