{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-3904","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 16-3904","heading":"Set-off or counterclaim; pleading; retention of jurisdiction.","body":"If the defendant in an action pursuant to this chapter, asserts a set-off or counterclaim, the judge may require a formal plea of set-off to be filed, or may waive the requirement. If the plaintiff requires time to prepare his defense against the counterclaim or set-off, the judge may continue the case for that purpose. When the set-off or counterclaim is for more than the jurisdictional limit of the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch, as provided by section 11-1321  , but within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, the action shall nevertheless remain in the Branch and be tried therein in its entirety.","path":["Title 16. Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. [Enacted title]","Chapter 39. Small Claims and Conciliation Procedure in Superior Court."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/16-3904","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"8df54b71e477e97034e1b0af221f4e05469ff6795786990ff16ac6bd2b65dc85","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-3903","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-16-3905"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}