Washington D.C. Civil Litigator Attorney
An Experienced, Strategic, and Trusted Advocate Serving The Washington/Rockville Area
It is not uncommon for individuals or businesses to find themselves involved in a legal dispute with another party.
Disputes of this, such as breach of contracts, typically fall under what is known as civil litigation, entails the use of courts in Washington or negotiators for adjudication.
For parties involved in a civil litigation case, the purpose is to the right a wrong, honor any business agreement, or receive compensation from an accident.
On the other hand, defendants in civil litigation disputes want to protect their legal rights by aggressively opposing the plaintiff’s claim.
How Our Civil Litigation Experience Benefits Citizens in the Washington D.C. Area
The Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones have represented D.C. clients in civil lawsuits for 18 years. Civil litigations lawyer Raymond R. Jones is an aggressive civil litigator who will put up an intense fight for his clients in court.
He has handled thousands of civil litigation cases throughout his legal career.
From landlord-tenant agreements to business matters, our legal team will skillfully manage your litigation claim to court and build a strong case on your behalf.
For plaintiffs involved in a civil litigation case, the goal is to right a wrong, honor an agreement, or obtain compensation for an injury.
On the other hand, defendants in a civil litigation case want to protect their legal rights in fighting the plaintiff’s claim.
A qualified civil litigation lawyer can help clients in the Washington D.C. area leverage their negotiating position to gain a beneficial settlement that may be the most fitting and economical way to manage certain litigation lawsuits.
However, taking a lawsuit to court may be the best or only option when a dispute is not determined sufficiently.
Schedule a free initial consultation by calling our civil litigation lawyer in Washington D.C. at (202) 640-2889 today.
Civil Statute of Limitations
It is essential to be aware of the statute of limitations for civil cases, which could impact successful lawsuits in D.C.
MOST CIVIL CASES. Washington D.C.’s standard statute of limitations is three years.
These statutes mean that cases involving personal injury, fraud, trespass, rent, and debt collection have a 3-year filing period.
However, there are exceptions for specific causes of action, such as cases to recover lands, tenements, or hereditaments, which can be filed up to 15 years after the underlying action occurs.
Alternatively, incidents of libel, slander, assault, battery, false arrest, and false imprisonment carry a 1-year statute of limitations, as these are causes of action that plaintiffs discover quickly.
Civil statutes of limitation are critical to keep in mind from the date the clock starts, as a judge is likely to dismiss a case if it is mentioned after the time has passed.



Landlord-Tenant Agreements
One of the most common civil litigation issues in Washington D.C. involves landlord-tenant agreements. Under District of Columbia law, landlords must disclose specific information to tenants (usually in the lease or rental agreement), such as the terms and conditions under which landlords collected the security deposit.
Note that D.C. law limits:
- How much a landlord can charge for a security deposit (usually one month’s rent)
- When it must be returned (generally within 15-60 days after a tenant moves, depending on whether the tenant disputes deductions taken out of the deposit)
- Other deposit terms
In certain situations, when a landlord has violated the security deposit law, tenants can sue landlords in small claims for the return of their deposit, up to $5,000.
Additionally, landlords are required to address repair requests from their tenants. If they haven’t done so to make the rental unit inhabitable, a tenant has the right to react by withholding rent, moving out, or even calling in a professional inspector.
Also, be aware the D.C. law specifies when and how a landlord may terminate a tenancy. For example, a landlord may give a tenant 30 days to move before filing for eviction if a court determines that the tenant performed an illegal act within the rental unit.
Several other important landlord-tenant laws affecting both property owners and renters include:
- Tenants’ protection rights against landlord retaliation for tenant exercising a legal right, such as complaining about an unsafe living condition
- Special protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence
- Procedures for how landlords must handle abandoned property left behind by tenants
- Fair and non-discriminatory housing rights
Suppose you have questions about any of the above civil disputes as a landlord or tenant in Washington D.C. In that case, the Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones can help you navigate the nuances of the laws and proceed appropriately.
Corporate Litigation & Trade Practices
Other important legal matters in civil litigation cases involve business and financial practices. For instance, there are specific statutes regarding the start of a business and the formation of a corporation.
In the District of Columbia, articles of incorporation must include:
- A satisfactory corporate name for the corporation;
- The number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue;
- The appointment of a registered agent; and
- The name and address of each incorporator
The name of a business corporation must be unique from any other corporation name filed or any other foreign entity, and it must also contain the word "corporation," "incorporated," "company," "limited," or the abbreviation of those words.
The articles of incorporation may also establish:
- The names and addresses of the individuals who are to serve as the initial directors
- The purpose for which the corporation is organized
- Management of the business and regulating the affairs of the corporation
- Definitions, limitations, and regulations of the powers of the corporation, its board of directors, and shareholders
Already established businesses must also follow certain civil statutes to engage in lawful trade practices.
More specifically, it is a violation of D.C.'s Unlawful Trade Practices statute for any person to:
- Represent that goods or services have a source, sponsorship, approval, certification, accessories, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities that they do not have
- Represent that goods are original or new if in fact they are deteriorated, altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, or second hand, or have been used
- Advertise or offer goods or services without the intent to sell them or without the intent to sell them as advertised or offered
- Falsely state that services, replacements, or repairs are needed
- Harass or threaten a consumer with any act other than legal process, either by telephone, cards, or letters
If a person is found guilty of the above acts, they could face civil penalties like injunction, actual and treble damages, consumer redress remedies, and punitive damages,
Providing Vigorous Results Legal Representation in Washington D.C.
Litigation law firms usually have a specialty when it comes to civil litigation.
At the Law Office of Raymond R. Jones, our attorney is proud to say that his area of expertise lies in personal injury and accident disputes.
So when you come to our firm with injury or accident claims, you know that you are putting yourself or your loved ones in the hands of a D.C. firm with years of civil experience specializing in cases like yours.
Practice Areas
Questions about Your Washington D.C. Civil Litigation Case?
Suppose you seek legal action in a civil litigation case, whether a landlord-tenant matter or a business-related issue, speak to a civil litigation lawyer for legal representation.
Especially with the civil statute of limitations to consider, a civil litigator in Washington DC can help you better navigate the legal process as you take a claim to court and fight for the damages you deserve.
Our civil litigation lawyer works closely with clients in D.C. to assess their potential suits or protection related to the commercial, professional, employment, and personal disputes subject to litigation.
Our firm represents clients in Washington D.C. before administrative agencies, alternative dispute resolution proceedings such as mediation or arbitration, jury trials in state and federal court, as well as proceedings before appeals courts.
D.C. litigation lawyer Raymond Jones helps clients design their litigation cases and advise them on the steps and strategies applied.
A skilled civil litigation attorney can help clients leverage their negotiating position to reach a beneficial settlement with many suitable and economical ways to handle specific litigation cases.
However, when a dispute cannot settle sufficiently, taking a claim to court may be the best or only option.
The Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones can walk you through the civil litigation process and represent your case in court.
For more information, schedule your free initial consultation with the Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones by calling (202) 640-2889 or contacting us online.

Our Winning Strategy
- Honest & Proven Advice
- High-Quality Representation
- Nearly 20 Years of Litigation Experience
