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District of Columbia Civil Litigation Legal Questions

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8 legal questions have been posted about civil litigation by real users in District of Columbia. Ask your question and dive into the knowledge of attorneys who handle your issue regularly. Similar topics to explore also include litigation, complex litigation, and complex and multi-district litigation. All topics and other states can be accessed in the dropdowns below.

Can the primary singer of a car sue the co-signer?

Answered 5 years and 10 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
The answer to "can I sue" is always yes,the question is whether you can win.  It's not clear to me how strong your case is.  What do you mean that you "voluntarily repossessed the car?"  Do you mean that you took possession of it from your co-signer with his permission?  If so, might he claim that he allowed you to take the car with the understanding that he would have no further responsibility for payment?... Read More
The answer to "can I sue" is always yes,the question is whether you can win.  It's not clear to me how strong your case is.  What do you... Read More

Need to have a answer to my question. I hired a person I thought was a lawyer. Can a lawyer hold back a settlement for his client?

Answered 6 years ago by attorney Louis A. Russo   |   1 Answer
The terms of the attorney client relationship are governed by the engagement letter.  If you had a written agreement that you executed with the lawyer before he began working for you, it should direct how and when he would be paid.  You may want to consider hiring an attorney to write a demand letter on your behalf as he may take your requests more seriously if you've retained counsel. Russo Law LLC 929-262-1101 Info@russolaw-llc.com www.russolaw-llc.com... Read More
The terms of the attorney client relationship are governed by the engagement letter.  If you had a written agreement that you executed with the... Read More

Can a third party intervene on the plaintiff's side in a civil suit alleging a cause of action different from the original suit's?

Answered 6 years and 8 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
Under some circumstances a non-party can intervene in a lawsuit, but it doesn’t seem as if you fit within that rule.  
Under some circumstances a non-party can intervene in a lawsuit, but it doesn’t seem as if you fit within that rule.  

If I owe in the sum of about $800.00 to a credit card company and I'm not working at the moment to pay should I go to court on this matter ...

Answered 7 years and 9 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
I'm not sure what you mean when you ask should YOU go to court.  If you have been served with a lawsuit, you should not default, but rather should try to work out a payment plan to settle.
I'm not sure what you mean when you ask should YOU go to court.  If you have been served with a lawsuit, you should not default, but rather... Read More

If I need to increase the amount I am suing a contractor for is this done in discoverry?

Answered 9 years ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
Amending your complaint is separate from discovery, although you should be careful to include the additional amounts in response to any inquiry about damages.  You may not need to amend simply to claim additional damages, but you may not want to chance it.  You would make a motion seeking leave to amend your complaint.... Read More
Amending your complaint is separate from discovery, although you should be careful to include the additional amounts in response to any inquiry about... Read More

Can I sue for a Gift?

Answered 10 years and 4 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
Yes, you can sue him.  Even if there was no dispute that you owed him money, he  has no right to take your things until and unless he sues you, a court awards him a judgment, and he follows legal collection procedures.  However, he may also sue you for the money he paid Ms. Lucille.  You claim that this was a gift to you, and you have no obligation to repay gifts.  However, he may claim either that:       (a) he guaranteed to Ms. Lucille that you would pay the money, and therefore, as guarantor, is obligated to pay Ms. Lucille if you don't, and can sue you for the money; and/or      (b) that he bought Ms. Lucille's claim against you by paying back the remaining money.... Read More
Yes, you can sue him.  Even if there was no dispute that you owed him money, he  has no right to take your things until and unless he sues... Read More

I have a PA court appointed judgment against a previous tenant. He works in Washington DC. Can I garnish his wages

Answered 10 years and 8 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
I beleive that you will first have to domesticate the judgment in D.C., that is get the judgment recognized in D.C.  If the judgment was on the merits after a full opportunity to litigate, that should be a simple process.  If the judgment was entered on default, however, it will be more complicated.  You will have to start a lawsuit in D.C. and show that the PA. court had jurisdiction over the judgment debtor.... Read More
I beleive that you will first have to domesticate the judgment in D.C., that is get the judgment recognized in D.C.  If the judgment was on the... Read More

when I went to court, the defendant (a company) did not show up - I was told to come back on Dec. 2 and "prove" my case - if they don't show up again,

Answered 12 years and 5 months ago by attorney Bruce Robins   |   1 Answer
Even when the other side defaults, you still have to prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence.  However, since there will be nobody there to contradict your testimony, this is a very small hurdle.
Even when the other side defaults, you still have to prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence.  However, since there will be nobody... Read More
Civil Litigation
District of Columbia

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