District of Columbia Code Division V. Local Business Affairs § 27-103. Criminal proceedings.

(a) The recovery of damages from the alleged offender shall not prohibit criminal prosecution of the alleged offender.

(b) The recovery of civil damages by a merchant or a finding of liability under this subchapter shall not be admissible in a criminal proceeding.

(c) A conviction or plea of guilty of fraud, shoplifting, or theft is not a prerequisite to the maintenance of a civil action authorized by this chapter.