Legal Info & Evictions

Evictions and utility stoppages are illegal during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Be mindful that any missed payments will eventually be due, so it's recommended that you continue to pay as you are able. Evictions are stayed until May 1, 2020. For more information click here.

Washington Legal Clinic will conduct phone intakes.

The Legal Clinic’s front desk (202-328-5500) will be taking client calls Mon-Fri and making appointments for phone intakes. If we determine that a client has a substantive legal issue that falls within the Legal Clinic’s case counseling expertise, we will work with the client to schedule a time when he or she can speak with one of our attorney volunteers.

Office of the Tenant Advocate:

The Office of the Tenant Advocate remains operational, with most staff teleworking through to April 27, 2020. Tenants seeking legal, education or outreach services should contact the Office of Tenant Advocate either electronically, through the web-based “Ask the Chief Tenant Advocate” link or by calling (202) 719-6560.

Child Support Services:

• Intake and enforcement services for child support will continue by phone appointment.

• Child Support can be reached by phone at (202) 442-9900 or email at cssdcustomerservice@dc.gov.

• Child support payments will continue to be processed as usual.

Department of Corrections (DOC):

DOC is continuing to accept persons who are being transferred to the custody of the department. However, in order to protect residents, staff, and their families, the DC Department of Corrections is suspending all in-person visits, programming, and volunteer activities at its facilities for the entirety of the public health emergency. The Department will provide video visitation for inmates while in-person visitation is suspended. Lawyers representing inmates are allowed.

Public Defender Service (PDS):

Due to the coronavirus, PDS is postponing all external and internal training, including the CPI March training program.

PDS is currently not taking any walk-ins for intake services. Call or visit during regular business hours if you have a criminal matter you want to discuss – for example, an outstanding District of Columbia arrest warrant or District of Columbia criminal record sealing. PDS offers case advice and training to attorneys who take court-appointed cases in the District of Columbia local court system. If you need assistance, please call Toll-free: (800) 341-2582 | Phone: (202) 628-1200 for intake and any other services.

• PDS Operating Status

Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA):

CSOSA remains in operation, although some staff are in telework status as a precautionary measure.

https://www.csosa.gov/