D.C. Code § 28:9-333: Priority of certain liens arising by operation of law.

(a)

In this section, “possessory lien” means an interest, other than a security interest or an agricultural lien:

(1)

Which secures payment or performance of an obligation for services or materials furnished with respect to goods by a person in the ordinary course of the person’s business;

(2)

Which is created by statute or rule of law in favor of the person; and

(3)

Whose effectiveness depends on the person’s possession of the goods.

(b)

A possessory lien on goods has priority over a security interest in the goods unless the lien is created by a statute that expressly provides otherwise.