(a) The defendant in a suit instituted by a nonresident of the District of Columbia, or by one who becomes a nonresident after the suit is commenced, upon notice served on the plaintiff or his attorney after service of process on the defendant, may require the plaintiff to give security for costs and charges that may be adjudged against him on the final disposition of the cause. This right of the defendant does not entitle him to delay in pleading, and his pleading before the giving of the security is not a waiver of his right to require security for costs. In case of noncompliance with these requirements, within a time fixed by the court, judgment of nonsuit or dismissal shall be entered. The security required may be by an undertaking, with security, to be approved by the court, or by a deposit of money in an amount fixed by the court.
(b) A nonresident, at the commencement of his suit, may deposit with the clerk such sum as the court deems sufficient as security for all costs that may accrue in the cause, which deposit may afterwards be increased on application, in the discretion of the court.
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 531, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; June 19, 1986, 100 Stat. 633, Pub. L. 99-336, § 4(b)(3).)
1981 Ed., § 15-703.
1973 Ed., § 15-703.
This section is referenced in § 15-711.
Fees and costs in Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of Superior Court, see §§ 16-3903 and 16-3909.
Fees and costs in Superior Court, see § 15-709.
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 15 - Judgments and Executions; Fees and Costs. [Enacted title]
§ 15–701. Compensation taxed as costs; attorneys’ compensation from clients
§ 15–702. Attorney fees taxed as costs
§ 15–703. Security for costs by nonresidents
§ 15–704. Advance payment of costs and fees
§ 15–705. Exemption of District of Columbia and United States from fees, costs, and bonds
§ 15–706. Clerk’s fees in United States District Court for the District of Columbia. [Repealed]
§ 15–708. Deposit for probate fees
§ 15–709. Fees and costs in Superior Court
§ 15–710. Fees and costs in Domestic Relations Branch of Court of General Sessions. [Repealed]
§ 15–711. Deposit or security for costs in Superior Court
§ 15–712. Proceedings in forma pauperis
§ 15–713. Deposits for jury trials in Superior Court
§ 15–714. Witness fees for attendance in Superior Court
§ 15–715. Witness fees in prosecutions for cruelty to children or animals
§ 15–716. Advances to Court of General Sessions Clerk for witness fees. [Repealed]