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District of Columbia State law

District law — District of Columbia

0 verified · 15 possibly — unconfirmed · 0 verification pending

Offences by family

Against the person

Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Aggravated assault — serious bodily injury Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Assault with intent to kill / rob / commit sexual abuse (§ 22-401): 2–15 years (verify). Assault with a dangerous weapon (§ 22-402): 0–10 years (verify).

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-404.01 (aggravated assault)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Assault (simple) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Simple assault Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Misdemeanour.

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-404 (simple assault)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Domestic violence Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Domestic assault — simple assault Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Misdemeanour.

Domestic assault — aggravated assault Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Violation of a protection order (§ 16-1005) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Violation of a protection order (§ 16-1005(f)): 0–180 days / $0–$1,000 (verify).

Statute: D.C. Code §§ 22-404, 16-1005 (assault + protection-order violation)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Underlying offence, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Voluntary manslaughter — heat of passion Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–30 years
Fine: $0–$250,000

Involuntary manslaughter — criminal negligence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–30 years
Fine: $0–$250,000

Note on this entry

Negligent homicide — vehicular (§ 50-2203.01): 0–5 years / $0–$250,000 (verify).

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-2105
Official source: D.C. Sentencing Commission supplement (scdc.dc.gov)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Homicide — murder Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Murder 1st degree — premeditated / felony murder Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 30 years–life without release
Fine: $0–$250,000

Minimum 30 years before release.

Murder 2nd degree — malice Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–life (over 40 years only with enhancement)
Fine: $0–$250,000

Note on this entry

The District of Columbia has no death penalty. Murder of a law-enforcement officer (§ 22-2106) is life without release. Aggravated murder 1st degree (§ 22-2104.01) can be life without release with a separate sentencing procedure.

Statute: D.C. Code §§ 22-2101, 22-2103, 22-2104
Official source: FindLaw mirror of D.C. Code § 22-2104
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Sexual offences

Sexual assault / rape Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Sexual abuse 1st degree — force / threat / incapacity Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–30 years
Fine: $0–$250,000

Verify.

Sexual abuse 2nd degree Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–20 years
Fine: $0–$100,000

Verify.

Sexual abuse 3rd degree Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$50,000

Verify.

Sexual abuse 4th degree Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–5 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

D.C. does not use the term 'rape'; sexual abuse degrees are in §§ 22-3002–22-3005. Aggravating circumstances (§ 22-3020) can raise the maximum to life without release. Verify §§ 22-3002–22-3005 against official text.

Statute: D.C. Code §§ 22-3002–22-3005 (sexual abuse)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, victim age beyond tier, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Property

Burglary Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Burglary 1st degree — dwelling + weapon / occupant present Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 5–30 years
Fine: $0–$50,000

Verify.

Burglary 2nd degree — building Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 2–15 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Verify § 22-801 against official text; while-armed enhancement (§ 22-4502) adds mandatory minimums.

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-801
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Robbery — force / fear Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 2–15 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Robbery while armed (§§ 22-2801, 22-4502) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 5–30 years
Fine: Fine per § 22-3571.01

Verify.

Note on this entry

Verify § 22-2801 against official text. Carjacking (§ 22-2803) is a separate offence: 0–21 years (verify).

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-2801
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Theft Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Theft 1st degree — value $1,000+ Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Theft 2nd degree — value under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Theft 2nd degree — 2nd or subsequent offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–15 years
Fine: $0–$37,500

Verify.

Note on this entry

Theft 2nd degree, 2nd+ offence (§ 22-3212(c)) carries up to 15 years / $37,500 per the D.C. Sentencing Commission supplement — verify against the Code.

Statute: D.C. Code §§ 22-3211, 22-3212
Official source: D.C. Sentencing Commission supplement (scdc.dc.gov) + code.dccouncil.gov for § 22-3211
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, restitution, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Vandalism / criminal damage Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Malicious destruction — damage $1,000+ Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Malicious destruction — damage under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Verify § 22-303 against official text. Defacing public/private property (§ 22-3312.01, graffiti) is a separate offence: 0–180 days / $0–$1,000 (verify).

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-303 (malicious destruction of property)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion, restitution. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Fraud & financial

Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Fraud 1st degree — scheme + property obtained, value $1,000+ Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000 or 2x value

Fraud 2nd degree — scheme, value $1,000+ Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–3 years
Fine: $0–$12,500 or 2x value

Fraud — value under $1,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Identity theft 1st degree (§ 22-3227.02): 0–10 years / $0–$25,000 or 2x value. Forgery (§ 22-3242): 0–10 years for high-value instruments.

Statute: D.C. Code §§ 22-3221, 22-3222
Official source: Justia mirror of D.C. Code § 22-3221; D.C. Sentencing Commission supplement for § 22-3222
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss beyond tier, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drugs

Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Simple possession — 1st offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$1,000

Misdemeanour.

Simple possession — 2nd or subsequent offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–360 days
Fine: $0–$2,000

Double penalty (§ 48-904.08); verify.

Marijuana — adults 21+ possessing ≤2 oz Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: No imprisonment
Fine: No fine

Lawful under Initiative 71; verify.

Note on this entry

Adults 21+ may lawfully possess up to 2 oz of marijuana (Initiative 71). Possession of liquid PCP is a felony (verify). Probation before judgment (§ 48-904.01(e)) is available for first-time possession.

Statute: D.C. Code § 48-904.01(d)
Official source: Justia mirror of D.C. Code § 48-904.01; firm summaries for (d) tiers
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Manufacture / distribute / possess with intent — Sch I/II narcotic or abusive drug Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–30 years
Fine: $0–$75,000

Other Sch I/II/III (non-narcotic) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–5 years
Fine: $0–$12,500

Sch IV Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–3 years
Fine: $0–$12,500

Sch V Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–1 year
Fine: $0–$2,500

≤1/2 lb marijuana — 1st offence, no priors Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–180 days
Fine: $0–$25,000

Note on this entry

Fines are per § 22-3571.01 as referenced in the statute. Enlisting a minor (§ 48-904.07) adds up to 10 years (1st) / 20 years (2nd+).

Statute: D.C. Code § 48-904.01(a)(2)
Official source: Justia mirror of D.C. Code § 48-904.01(a)(2)
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, quantity, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Weapons

Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 1–10 years
Fine: $0–$25,000

Verify.

Note on this entry

Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence (§ 22-4504(b)): 5–15 years, consecutive (verify). Verify § 22-4503 against official text.

Statute: D.C. Code § 22-4503 (unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Traffic & transport

DUI / drink driving Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–90 days
Fine: $300–$1,000

Verify.

2nd offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 5 days–1 year
Fine: $1,000–$5,000

Verify.

3rd offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 10 days–1 year
Fine: $2,500–$10,000

Verify.

4th or subsequent offence Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0–5 years
Fine: $10,000

Felony; verify.

Note on this entry

Operating while impaired (§ 50-2206.14) is a lesser offence: 0–90 days / $0–$500 (verify). Verify § 50-2206.11 against official text.

Statute: D.C. Code § 50-2206.11 (driving under the influence)
Official source: Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, BAC, minor passenger, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Cyber & digital

Cybercrime / hacking

See the central entry

See the United States (central) entry for the penalty range →

Statute: No verified standalone statute (charged via fraud / identity theft)
Official source: No verified source — research gap
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.