Title 27, Merchant’s Civil Recovery for Criminal Conduct.

For purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) “Fraud” shall have the same meaning as that term is used in § 22-3221. (2) “Juvenile” means a person under 18 years of age. (3) “Merchant” means a person who does or would sell, lease, or transfer, either directly or indirectly, consume…

(a) Anyone who commits an offense of fraud, shoplifting, or theft from a merchant shall be civilly liable to the merchant for treble the amount of actual damages; and (1) The retail value of any goods or merchandise stolen if the goods or merchandise are not recovered; (2) The lo…

(a) The recovery of damages from the alleged offender shall not prohibit criminal prosecution of the alleged offender. (b) The recovery of civil damages by a merchant or a finding of liability under this chapter shall not be admissible in a criminal proceeding. (c) A conviction o…

(a) A merchant who suffers damages as a result of fraud, shoplifting, or theft, may recover the damages by submitting written demand to the alleged offender or the parent or guardian of a juvenile alleged offender. (b) The written demand shall: (1) Be delivered or mailed to the a…

A suit for damages and penalties may be brought in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

Attorneys’ fees and costs shall be awarded under this chapter without regard to ability to pay.