District Of Columbia § 28-5003 - Civil relief; damages.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 28-5003 — Civil relief; damages., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 28-5003. Civil relief; damages.
28-5003Any person or entity who receives an electronic mail message that violates a provision of this chapter, whose equipment is used in the transmission or receipt of such a message, or whose property or person is otherwise injured by reason of a violation of a provision of this chapter may seek recovery for any damages sustained and the costs of suit. For the purposes of this section, damages shall include the loss of profits.
In addition to the relief provided in subsection (a) of this section, a person, other than an electronic mail service provider, shall also recover attorneys’ fees and costs, and may recover, in addition to actual damages, liquidated damages of $500 for each commercial electronic mail message transmitted in violation of this chapter or $50,000 per day, whichever is less.
In addition to the relief provided in subsection (a) of this section, an electronic mail service provider may also recover attorneys’ fees and costs, and may elect, in addition to actual damages, to recover liquidated damages of $100 for each commercial electronic mail message transmitted in violation of this chapter or $500,000 per day, whichever is less.
At the request of any party to an action brought pursuant to this section, the court may, in its discretion, conduct all legal proceedings in such a way as to protect the secrecy and security of the computer, computer network, computer data, computer program, and computer software involved to prevent possible recurrence of the same or similar act by another person and to protect any trade secrets of any party.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to:
Require a provider of Internet access service to block, transmit, route, relay, handle, or store certain types of electronic mail messages;
Prevent or limit, in any way, a provider of Internet access service from adopting a policy regarding commercial or other electronic mail, including a policy of declining to transmit certain types of electronic mail messages, or from enforcing such policy through technical means, through contract, or pursuant to any remedy available under any other provision of federal or District law; or
Render lawful any such policy that is unlawful under any other provision of law.
The Attorney General of the District of Columbia may enforce the provisions of this chapter pursuant to authority granted in .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 28-5003
What does D.C. Code § 28-5003 cover?
Section 28-5003 ("Civil relief; damages.") 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 § 28-5003?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 28-5003" (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 § 28-5003 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.