Usury

If a person or corporation contracts in the District, verbally, to pay a greater rate of interest than 6% per annum, or in writing, to pay a greater rate than is permitted under the District law, the creditor shall forfeit the whole of the interest so contracted to be received. (DC ST § 28-3303) The parties to an instrument in writing for the payment of money at a future time may contract therein for the payment of interest on the principal amount thereof at a rate not exceeding 24% per annum. If the borrower receives a loan greater than $25500 and is an individual, group of individuals, corporation, unincorporated association, partnership, or other entity, and the loan is made for the purpose of acquiring or carrying on a business, professional, or commercial activity it is lawful to contract for and receive any rate of interest thereon. (DC ST § 28-3301)

A person or corporation must bring an action to recover the usurious interest paid within one (1) year after the date of payment. D.C. Code Ann. § 28-3304.