District of Columbia
District of Columbia Voyeurism Laws: Hidden Camera Penalties and Privacy Rights
Under D.C. Code Section 22-3531, the District of Columbia criminalizes secretly recording or observing a person in any space where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The offense is a misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The District of Columbia takes voyeurism and hidden camera offenses seriously, treating them as violations of personal privacy that carry criminal penalties. D.C. law addresses these issues through two primary statutes: the voyeurism law under D.C. Code Section 22-3531 and the nonconsensual pornography law under D.C. Code Section 22-3052.
These laws protect individuals from being secretly watched or recorded in places where they expect privacy, and from having intimate images shared without their consent. Understanding both statutes is critical for D.C. residents, employers, landlords, and anyone who installs cameras or recording devices in the District.
D.C. Voyeurism Law: D.C. Code Section 22-3531
Elements of the Offense
D.C. Code Section 22-3531 defines voyeurism through a three-prong structure:
- Section 22-3531(b): knowingly occupying a hidden observation post to secretly observe another person under circumstances in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Section 22-3531(c): using an electronic device to secretly observe or record another person under circumstances in which that person has a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Section 22-3531(d): using an electronic device to capture an image of a person's genitals, anus, or pubic area, or female breast, under or around the person's clothing without consent, where the person has a reasonable expectation of privacy under the circumstances.
A fourth prong, Section 22-3531(f)(2), escalates the offense to a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison when the offender knowingly distributes or disseminates a recording captured in violation of subsections (b), (c), or (d). This distribution-prong felony is materially more serious than the base misdemeanor and is the prosecution's most powerful tool when hidden-camera content is circulated.
The statute is designed to protect people from invasive surveillance in situations where they reasonably believe they are not being watched or recorded. The misdemeanor prongs focus on the act of observation or recording; the felony prong focuses on what the offender does with the captured image after the fact.
What Counts as a "Reasonable Expectation of Privacy"
The "reasonable expectation of privacy" standard is the cornerstone of the voyeurism statute. D.C. courts evaluate this by examining the totality of the circumstances surrounding the recording. Locations that carry a strong expectation of privacy include:
- Bathrooms and restrooms (public and private)
- Locker rooms and changing areas (gyms, pools, retail stores)
- Bedrooms (in homes, hotels, and other lodging)
- Shower facilities
- Medical examination rooms
- Dressing rooms (retail fitting rooms, backstage areas)
Locations that generally do not carry a reasonable expectation of privacy include:
- Public streets and sidewalks
- Open parks and plazas
- Public transportation vehicles and stations
- Retail sales floors and restaurant dining areas
- Office common areas and lobbies
The analysis can be nuanced. For example, a person sitting in a public park generally has no expectation of privacy for their visible appearance. However, if someone uses a camera to photograph up that person's skirt or down their blouse, the voyeurism statute may apply because the victim has a reasonable expectation that the covered portions of their body are private.
Criminal Penalties for Voyeurism
The Section 22-3531 prongs carry different penalty levels:
| Prong | Conduct | Classification | Maximum Imprisonment | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (b) | Hidden observation post | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,500 |
| (c) | Secret electronic recording | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,500 |
| (d) | Upskirt / downblouse capture | Misdemeanor | 1 year | $2,500 |
| (f)(2) | Distribution of (b)(c)(d) recording | Felony | 5 years | $12,500 |
Misdemeanor fines are governed by D.C. Code Section 22-3571.01; the felony distribution prong tracks the higher fine ceiling at the same statutory provision. D.C. Code Section 22-4001(8)'s list of registration offenses does not include Chapter 35A voyeurism, so registration does not automatically apply to a conviction under any of these prongs.
Sex Offender Registration
D.C. Code Section 22-4001(8), which defines "registration offense" under the Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA), does not list Chapter 35A voyeurism (§ 22-3531) among its enumerated registration offenses. A standalone voyeurism conviction does not, by itself, require the convicted person to register with the Metropolitan Police Department.
The one exception is Section 22-4001(8)(H), which lets a defendant agree in a plea agreement to be subject to registration requirements even for an offense that is not otherwise on the list. Where registration does apply, requirements can include:
- Providing name, address, employment information, and photograph to MPD
- Updating registration information when any details change
- Periodic in-person verification of registration information
- Public listing on the sex offender registry
Absent a plea agreement invoking Section 22-4001(8)(H), the registration periods and tier classifications that apply to other SORA offenses do not apply to a voyeurism-only conviction.
Nonconsensual Pornography: D.C. Code Section 22-3052
What the Law Prohibits
The Nonconsensual Pornography Prevention Act makes it illegal to knowingly disclose one or more sexual images of another person when:
- The person depicted in the images did not consent to the disclosure
- The person who disclosed the images knew or consciously disregarded a substantial risk that the depicted person had not consented
- The disclosure was not for a lawful purpose
This law is commonly referred to as D.C.'s "revenge porn" statute, though it applies to any nonconsensual disclosure of intimate images regardless of the motivation behind it.
Definitions
The statute defines key terms:
- Sexual image: A photograph, video, or digital image that depicts a person engaging in a sexual act or displaying their intimate body parts
- Disclose: To publish, distribute, exhibit, deliver, or make accessible to another person through any means, including electronic transmission
- Consent: A freely given agreement to the specific act of disclosure. Prior consent to being photographed does not constitute consent to the images being shared.
Criminal Penalties
Chapter 30A of Title 22 (enacted by D.C. Law 20-275, effective April 7, 2015) draws its principal line by conduct, not by audience size:
- D.C. Code Section 22-3052 criminalizes the knowing disclosure of a sexual image without the depicted person's consent. There is no recipient-count threshold built into Section 22-3052.
- D.C. Code Section 22-3053 addresses publication of a sexual image, which generally captures broader, public-facing distribution.
- D.C. Code Section 22-3054 establishes a second-degree offense for knowingly republishing a sexual image that resulted from someone else's earlier bad-faith disclosure or publication.
- D.C. Code Section 22-3056 provides a public-interest defense for newsworthy disclosures.
The distinction between Section 22-3052 (disclose) and Section 22-3053 (publish) is the central charging line; do not assume a "five-or-fewer / six-or-more" recipient threshold. The Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG) prosecutes Chapter 30A misdemeanors, with the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) handling any felony-track offense under D.C. Code Section 23-101.
Exclusions and Defenses to the Nonconsensual Pornography Law
D.C. Code Sections 22-3055 and 22-3056 set out the chapter's exclusions and defenses:
- Constitutionally protected activity: Section 22-3055 excludes constitutionally protected activity from the chapter entirely
- Voluntary public exposure: Section 22-3055 also excludes disclosures resulting from the depicted person's voluntary exposure in a public or commercial setting
- Interactive computer services: Section 22-3055 shields platforms that host user-generated content from liability for content posted by third parties, though other laws may still apply
- Public-interest affirmative defense: Section 22-3056 provides an affirmative defense, not a blanket exemption, when a disclosure or publication is made in the public interest, including reporting unlawful conduct, the lawful and common practices of law enforcement, or legal proceedings
Civil Remedies for Victims
Civil Action Under D.C. Law 25-268 (UCRUDIIA)
The Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act of 2024 (D.C. Law 25-268, effective March 7, 2025, codified at Title 7 Chapter 21D) gives victims a private right of action for unauthorized disclosure of intimate images. Its remedies provision, D.C. Code Section 7-2165, allows actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000, injunctive relief (image takedown), and attorney fees. Note that D.C. Code Section 22-3055, sometimes cited for civil claims, is actually the criminal chapter's exclusions provision and creates no cause of action.
Civil Action Under UCRUDIIA (D.C. Law 25-268)
The Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act of 2024 (D.C. Law 25-268, signed December 19, 2024 and effective March 7, 2025) codifies a separate, stronger civil cause of action at Title 7 Chapter 21D of the D.C. Code (§§ 7-2161 to 7-2169). Key provisions:
- Section 7-2161(7) defines "intimate image" for purposes of the Act. The statutory definition does not expressly cover AI-generated deepfake imagery as of the effective date, and that gap has not yet been tested in D.C. litigation.
- Section 7-2165 is the remedies provision. (Note: do not cite Section 7-2166, which addresses the statute of limitations.) Plaintiffs may recover actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000, injunctive relief, and attorney fees.
- Section 7-2166 sets the statute of limitations.
Pending Legislation: B26-0524
Bill 26-0524, the Distribution of False Sexual Imagery Prohibition Amendment Act of 2025, was introduced in the D.C. Council on December 1, 2025. It is intended to close the AI deepfake gap left open by UCRUDIIA's "intimate image" definition. As of this article's update, B26-0524 is pending in committee and has not become law.
Federal TAKE IT DOWN Act
The federal TAKE IT DOWN Act (Pub. L. 119-12) was signed on May 19, 2025. Its 48-hour platform-takedown obligations took effect on May 19, 2026, and operate as an overlay on top of D.C.'s Chapter 30A and UCRUDIIA remedies for D.C. victims whose images appear on covered platforms.
D.C. Code Section 23-554(c): Wiretap Civil Remedies
If the voyeuristic recording also constitutes an illegal interception of oral communications under D.C. Code Section 23-542, victims may pursue civil remedies under D.C. Code Section 23-554(c). Subsection (c) is the operative sovereign-immunity-waiving subsection. The District of Columbia is itself a "person" under § 23-554(c), so a victim can sue D.C. (not just the individual government employee) when government conduct violates § 23-542. The recoverable formula under § 23-554(a)(2) is:
- The greater of actual damages or statutory damages of $100 per day of violation or a $1,000 floor;
- Punitive damages;
- Reasonable attorney fees and litigation costs.
A good-faith reliance on a court order is a complete defense for the recording party under § 23-554. Victims may pursue remedies under both Chapter 30A / UCRUDIIA and the wiretap statute when the same conduct violates each.
Hidden Cameras: Common Scenarios
Hidden Cameras in Rental Properties
Landlords and short-term rental hosts in D.C. cannot install hidden cameras in areas where tenants or guests have a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes:
- Bedrooms (even in furnished rentals or Airbnb properties)
- Bathrooms
- Private living spaces within the rental unit
A landlord or host who installs hidden cameras in these areas faces criminal prosecution under the voyeurism statute, civil liability, and potential lease termination. Common areas of a rental building (lobbies, exterior entrances) may have visible security cameras, but these should be disclosed to tenants.
Hidden Cameras in the Workplace
Employers cannot place hidden cameras in areas where employees have a reasonable expectation of privacy:
- Restrooms and bathrooms
- Locker rooms and changing areas
- Lactation rooms
- Employee break rooms (depending on circumstances)
Cameras in open work areas, retail floors, warehouses, and other common spaces are generally permitted as long as employees are notified. D.C. does not have a specific statute requiring employers to disclose workplace camera locations, but the voyeurism statute prohibits secret recording in private areas.
Upskirting and Downblousing
The voyeurism statute specifically addresses the use of devices to look beneath or around someone's clothing to view intimate body parts. This covers "upskirting" (using a camera to photograph under a person's skirt) and similar invasive photography techniques. These acts are criminal regardless of whether they occur in a public or private location.
Relationship to D.C. Wiretapping Law
How Voyeurism and Wiretapping Overlap
D.C.'s wiretapping statute (D.C. Code Section 23-542) and voyeurism statute (D.C. Code Section 22-3531) serve different but overlapping purposes:
- The wiretapping statute protects the content of wire and oral communications from unauthorized interception. It focuses on audio capture.
- The voyeurism statute protects visual privacy in situations where someone has a reasonable expectation of not being observed or recorded. It focuses on visual observation and recording.
A single act, such as placing a hidden camera with audio capability in someone's bedroom, can violate both statutes simultaneously. The wiretapping statute carries felony penalties (up to 5 years and $12,500 under D.C. Code Section 22-3571.01) at the same level as the voyeurism distribution prong under Section 22-3531(f)(2). The base voyeurism prongs (b), (c), and (d) carry misdemeanor penalties of up to 1 year and $2,500.
When Both Statutes Apply
Both statutes may apply when:
- A hidden camera captures both video and audio in a private setting
- A person uses a recording device to secretly observe someone while also intercepting their conversations
- Audio recording equipment is used to eavesdrop in a location where the subject has a visual privacy expectation
Prosecutors can charge violations of both statutes for the same conduct, potentially resulting in consecutive sentences.
Defenses to Voyeurism Charges
Common Legal Defenses
Defendants in voyeurism cases may raise several defenses:
- Consent: If the person being observed or recorded consented to the recording, no voyeurism occurred. The consent must be knowing and voluntary.
- No reasonable expectation of privacy: If the recording occurred in a location where the subject had no reasonable expectation of privacy (such as a public beach), the voyeurism statute does not apply.
- Lack of knowledge: The statute requires that the defendant "knowingly" engaged in the conduct. Accidental or inadvertent recordings may not meet this threshold.
- Not a hidden observation post: If the recording equipment was visible and openly placed, the "secret" element of the offense may not be satisfied.
Constitutional Considerations
First Amendment protections may come into play in certain voyeurism cases, particularly when the recording involves matters of public concern. However, courts have generally held that the government's interest in protecting personal privacy outweighs First Amendment concerns when recording occurs in locations with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
How to Report Voyeurism in D.C.
Filing a Police Report
If you discover a hidden camera or believe you have been the victim of voyeurism in D.C., you should:
- Contact the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) by calling 911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line at (202) 727-9099
- Do not disturb or remove the camera if possible, as it may be needed as evidence
- Document the location and appearance of the device with your own photographs
- Provide officers with any information about who may have placed the device
- Request a copy of the police report for your records
Seeking a Civil Protection Order
Victims of voyeurism may also seek a civil protection order (CPO) under D.C. Code Section 16-1003. A CPO can require the offender to stay away from the victim, stop specific conduct, and comply with other court-ordered conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for voyeurism in the District of Columbia?
Voyeurism under D.C. Code Section 22-3531 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. D.C. Code Section 22-4001's list of registration offenses does not include voyeurism, so a conviction does not, by itself, require sex offender registration unless the defendant agrees to it as part of a plea deal.
Is it illegal to install a hidden camera in a bathroom or bedroom in D.C.?
Yes. Installing a hidden camera in any location where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including bathrooms, bedrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas, violates D.C. Code Section 22-3531. This applies to homeowners, landlords, employers, and short-term rental hosts.
Can I sue someone for sharing intimate images of me without consent in D.C.?
Yes. D.C. Law 25-268, the Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images Act, provides a civil cause of action for victims of nonconsensual pornography. You can seek actual damages, statutory damages up to $10,000, injunctive relief to have the images removed, and attorney fees. The person who shared the images also faces criminal charges under D.C. Code Section 22-3052.
Does D.C. law cover upskirting and similar invasive photography?
Yes. D.C. Code Section 22-3531 specifically addresses the use of devices to look beneath or around a person's clothing to view intimate body parts. This makes upskirting and similar invasive photography techniques criminal regardless of whether they occur in a public or private location.
What should I do if I find a hidden camera in my rental unit in D.C.?
Contact the Metropolitan Police Department immediately. Do not disturb the camera if possible, as it may serve as evidence. Document its location with photos. File a police report, then consult an attorney about civil remedies, such as a claim for invasion of privacy.
Updates
Corrected several statute-grounding errors: the nonconsensual-pornography exemptions list had a fabricated "medical treatment" exemption and mislabeled the Section 22-3056 public-interest affirmative defense as a blanket Section 22-3052 exemption; Section 22-3054 was mischaracterized as a negligence offense rather than knowing/reckless republication; the civil-damages formula was misattributed to Section 23-554(c) instead of (a)(2); Section 22-3531(d)'s "regardless of location" description dropped the statute's reasonable-expectation-of-privacy element; and the repeated claim that a voyeurism conviction may trigger sex offender registration was corrected throughout the page (KeyTakeaways, intro, penalties table, dedicated section, and FAQ) after verifying against the live D.C. Code that Section 22-4001(8)'s registration-offense list does not include Chapter 35A voyeurism.
Corrected the civil-action sections: the civil cause of action for image disclosure comes from D.C. Law 25-268 (UCRUDIIA, remedies at Section 7-2165), not Section 22-3055, which is the criminal chapter's exclusions provision.
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on 13 statutory provisions held in our own legal record, each retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 16: Particular Actions, Proceedings and Matters. - Chapter 10: Proceedings Regarding Intrafamily Offenses. - Subchapter I: Intrafamily Proceedings Generally.
§ 16-1003Petition for civil protection order; representation.In force
(a) A person 16 years of age or older may petition the Domestic Violence Division for a civil protection order against a respondent who has allegedly committed or threatened to commit: (1) An intrafamily offense, where the petitioner is the victim, or, if the offense is punishable under § 22-1001 or § 22-1002, where the victim is an animal that the petitioner owns, possesses, or controls; (2) Sexual assault, where the petitioner is the victim; (3) Trafficking in labor or commercial sex acts, as described in § 22-1833, where the petitioner is the victim; or (4) Sex trafficking of children, as described in § 22-1834, where the petitioner is the victim.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 22: Criminal Offenses and Penalties. - Chapter 30A: Non-Consensual Pornography.
§ 22-3052Unlawful disclosure.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia for a person to knowingly disclose one or more sexual images of another identified or identifiable person when: (1) The person depicted did not consent to the disclosure of the sexual image; (2) The person disclosing the sexual image knew or consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the person depicted did not consent to the disclosure; and (3) The person disclosed the sexual image with the intent to harm the person depicted or to receive financial gain. (b) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 180 days, or both.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Also relied on in: District of Columbia Recording Laws (2026): One-Party Consent Rules, District of Columbia Video Recording Laws: What You Need to Know, District of Columbia Deepfake Laws: AI Images, Voice Cloning & Penalties (2026)
§ 22-3053First-degree unlawful publication.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia for a person to knowingly publish one or more sexual images of another identified or identifiable person, whether obtained directly from the person or from a third party or other source, when: (1) The person depicted did not consent to the publication of the sexual image; (2) The person publishing the sexual image knew or consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the person depicted did not consent to the publication; and (3) The person published the sexual image with the intent to harm the person depicted or to receive financial gain. (b) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 3 years, or both.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
§ 22-3054Second degree unlawful publication.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) It shall be unlawful in the District of Columbia for a person to knowingly publish one or more sexual images of another identified or identifiable person obtained from a third party or other source when: (1) The person depicted did not consent to the publication of the sexual image; and (2) The person publishing the sexual image knew or consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the sexual image was obtained as a result of a previous disclosure or publication of the sexual image made with intent to harm the person depicted or to receive financial gain. (b) A person who violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in § 22-3571.01, imprisoned for not more than 180 days, or both.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
§ 22-3055Exclusions.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) This chapter shall not apply to: (1) Constitutionally protected activity; or (2) A person disclosing or publishing a sexual image that resulted from the voluntary exposure of the person depicted in a public or commercial setting. (b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impose liability on an interactive computer service, as defined in section 230(e)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, approved February 8, 1996 (110 Stat. 139; 47 U.S.C. § 230(f)(2)), for content provided by another person.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
§ 22-3056Affirmative defenses.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of § 22-3052, § 22-3053, or § 22-3054 if the disclosure or publication of a sexual image is made in the public interest, including the reporting of unlawful conduct, the lawful and common practices of law enforcement, or legal proceedings.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 22: Criminal Offenses and Penalties. - Chapter 35A: Voyeurism.
§ 22-3531Voyeurism.In forcecited in 10 of our articles
(a) For the purposes of this section, the term: (1) “Electronic device” means any electronic, mechanical, or digital equipment that captures visual or aural images, including cameras, computers, tape recorders, video recorders, and cellular telephones. (2) “Private area” means the naked or undergarment-clad genitals, pubic area, anus, or buttocks, or female breast below the top of the areola. (b) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, it is unlawful for any person to occupy a hidden observation post or to install or maintain a peephole, mirror, or any electronic device for the purpose of secretly or surreptitiously observing an individual who is: (1) Using a bathroom or rest room; (2) Totally or partially undressed or changing clothes; or (3) Engaging in sexual activity. (1) Except as provided in subsection (e) of this section, it is unlawful for a person to electronically record, without the express and informed consent of the individual being recorded, an individual who is: (A) Using a bathroom or rest room; (B) Totally or partially undressed or changing clothes; or (C) Engaging in sexual activity.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Also relied on in: District of Columbia Security Camera Laws: Installation Rules and Privacy Limits, District of Columbia Workplace Recording Laws: Employee and Employer Rights, D.C. Smart Glasses Recording Laws: One-Party Consent Guide
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 22: Criminal Offenses and Penalties. - Chapter 35B: Fines for Criminal Offenses.
§ 22-3571.01Fines for criminal offenses.In forcecited in 9 of our articles
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, and except as provided in § 22-3571.02, a defendant who has been found guilty of an offense under the District of Columbia Official Code punishable by imprisonment may be sentenced to pay a fine as provided in this section. (b) An individual who has been found guilty of such an offense may be fined not more than the greatest of: (1) $100 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 10 days or less; (2) $250 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 30 days, or one month, or less but more than 10 days; (3) $500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 90 days, or 3 months, or less but more than 30 days; (4) $1,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 180 days, or 6 months, or less but more than 90 days; (5) $2,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for one year or less but more than 180 days; (6) $12,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or less but more than one year; (7) $25,000 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or less but more than 5 years; (8) $37,500 if the offense is punishable by imprisonment for 15 years or less but more than…
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Also relied on in: District of Columbia Audio Recording Laws: Complete Legal Guide, District of Columbia Phone Call Recording Laws: Consent Rules and Interstate Calls, District of Columbia Hit and Run Laws: Penalties & Guide
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 22: Criminal Offenses and Penalties. - Chapter 40: Sex Offender Registration.
§ 22-4001Definitions.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
For the purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) “Agency” means the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia, established pursuant to § 24-133 or, until that agency assumes its duties, the Trustee appointed under § 24-132(a). (2) “Attends school” means being enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis in any type of public or private educational institution. (A) “Committed a registration offense” means: (i) Was convicted or found not guilty by reason of insanity of a registration offense; or (ii) Was determined to be a sexual psychopath under §§ 22-3803 through 22-3811. (B) A person is not deemed to have committed a registration offense for purposes of this chapter, if the disposition described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph has been reversed or vacated, or if the person has been pardoned for the offense on the ground of innocence. (4) “Court” means the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 23: Criminal Procedure. - Chapter 5: Warrants and Arrests. - Subchapter III: Wire Interception and Interception of Oral Communications.
§ 23-542Interception, disclosure, and use of wire or oral communications prohibited.In forcecited in 21 of our articles
(a) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this subchapter, any person who in the District of Columbia — (1) willfully intercepts, endeavors to intercept, or procures any other person to intercept or endeavor to intercept any wire or oral communication; (2) willfully discloses or endeavors to disclose to any other person the contents of any wire or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, knowing or having reason to know that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire or oral communication; or (3) willfully uses or endeavors to use the contents of any wire or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, knowing or having reason to know, that the information was obtained through the interception of a wire or oral communication; shall be fined not more than the amount set forth in [§ 22-3571.01] or imprisoned not more than five years, or both; except that paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection shall not apply to the contents of any wire or oral communication, or evidence derived therefrom, that has become common knowledge or public information.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Also relied on in: One-Party Consent States: Complete 2026 Guide, DC Dashcam Laws: Recording Rules, Windshield Mounting, and Legal Limits (2026), DC Landlord-Tenant Recording Laws: Cameras, Privacy Rights, and Disputes (2026)
§ 23-554Authorization for recovery of civil damages.In forcecited in 14 of our articles
(a) Any person whose wire or oral communication is intercepted, disclosed, or used in violation of this subchapter shall — (1) have 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 (2) be entitled to recover from any such person — (A) actual 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; (B) punitive damages; and (C) a reasonable attorney’s fee and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. (b) Good 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. (c) As 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.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
Also relied on in: DC Medical Recording Laws: Patient Rights, HIPAA, and One-Party Consent (2026), District of Columbia Laws on Recording Police: Your Rights and Limits, District of Columbia Laws on Recording in Public: Complete Legal Guide
Code of the District of Columbia, Title 7: Human Health Care and Safety. - Chapter 21D: Uniform Civil Remedies for Unauthorized Disclosure of Intimate Images.
§ 7-2161Definitions.In force
For the purposes of this chapter, the term: (1) "Consent" means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary authorization by an individual with legal capacity to give authorization. (2) "Depicted individual" means an individual whose body is shown in whole or in part in an intimate image. (3) "Disclose" and "disclosure" means transfer, publication, or distribution to another person. (4) "Identifiable" means recognizable by a person other than the depicted individual: (A) From an intimate image itself; or (B) From an intimate image and identifying characteristic displayed in connection with the intimate image. (5) "Identifying characteristic" means information that may be used to identify a depicted individual. (6) "Individual" means a human being. (7) "Intimate image" means a photograph, film, video recording, or other similar medium that shows: (A) The uncovered genitals, pubic area, anus, or female post-pubescent nipple of a depicted individual; or (B) A depicted individual engaging in or being subjected to sexual conduct.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
§ 7-2165Remedies.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) In an action under this chapter, a prevailing plaintiff may recover: (1) The greater of: (A) Economic and noneconomic damages proximately caused by the defendant's disclosure or threatened disclosure, including damages for emotional distress whether or not accompanied by other damages; or (B) Statutory damages not to exceed $10,000 against each defendant found liable under this chapter for all disclosures and threatened disclosures by the defendant of which the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known when filing the action or which became known during the pendency of the action. In determining the amount of statutory damages under this subparagraph, consideration must be given to the age of the parties at the time of the disclosure or threatened disclosure, the number of disclosures or threatened disclosures made by the defendant, the breadth of distribution of the image by the defendant, and other exacerbating or mitigating factors; (2) An amount equal to any monetary gain made by the defendant from disclosure of the intimate image; and (3) Punitive damages.
Official text (excerpt) · as of 2026-07-30 · Read the full section at github.com
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Sources and References
- D.C. Code Section 22-3531 - Voyeurism(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3052 - Nonconsensual Pornography(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3055 - Civil Action for Nonconsensual Pornography(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-4001 - Sex Offender Registration(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3571.01 - Fines for Criminal Offenses(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 23-542 - Interception of Wire or Oral Communications(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 23-554 - Civil Damages for Illegal Interception(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 16-1003 - Civil Protection Orders(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- Metropolitan Police Department(mpdc.dc.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3053 - Nonconsensual Pornography (publish)(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3054 - Second-Degree Nonconsensual Pornography(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 22-3056 - Public-Interest Defense(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 7-2161 - UCRUDIIA Definitions(code.dccouncil.gov).gov
- D.C. Code Section 7-2165 - UCRUDIIA Remedies(code.dccouncil.gov).gov