{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-23-554","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 23-554","heading":"Authorization for recovery of civil damages.","body":"(a)\nAny person whose wire or oral communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used in violation of this subchapter shall —\n(1)\nhave a civil cause of action against any person who intercepts, discloses, or uses, or procures any other person to intercept, disclose, or use, such communications; and\n(2)\nbe entitled to recover from any such person —\n(A)\nactual damages, but not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $100 a day for each day of violation, or $1,000 whichever is higher;\n(B)\npunitive damages; and\n(C)\na reasonable attorney’s fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred.\n\n(b)\nGood faith reliance on a court order or legislative authorization shall constitute a complete defense to an action brought under this section or any other law.\n\n(c)\nAs used in this section, the term “person” includes the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia shall not assert any governmental immunity to avoid liability under this section. Judgment against the District of Columbia shall not constitute a bar to action against any other person.","path":["Title 23. Criminal Procedure. [Enacted title]","Chapter 5. Warrants and Arrests.","Subchapter III. Wire Interception and Interception of Oral Communications."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/23-554","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"233e477b7fdb6d728a055a287432b1f30a0d29ab68256b248dcfebf5a8a75e06","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-23-553","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-23-555"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}