Sued by CACH LLC in District of Columbia? Here's What to Do Next
District of Columbia RESPONSE DEADLINE
21 Days
from the date you were served
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
3 Years
for typical CACH LLC debts in DC
WAGE GARNISHMENT
Allowed — up to 25%
CACH LLC in District of Columbia
CACH LLC files fewer cases in District of Columbia than in larger states — the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database shows no District of Columbia complaints against CACH LLC in the last 24 months. The legal playbook is the same: CACH LLC must still prove they own the debt, the amount they claim is correct, and the 3-year District of Columbia statute of limitations has not run.
About CACH LLC
CACH LLC is a debt buying company that purchases portfolios of defaulted consumer accounts. CACH is one of the more aggressive small-to-medium debt buyers and files lawsuits across multiple states. They are known for purchasing older debts and pursuing collection on accounts where documentation may be thin. CACH has been the subject of numerous FDCPA lawsuits from consumers who challenged their collection practices.
Type: Debt Buyer. Common debt types: credit card, personal loan, medical.
CFPB Enforcement History
CACH, LLC is a debt buyer that was owned by SquareTwo Financial Corporation until both filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2017, after which CACH's debt portfolio was sold to Resurgent Capital Services LP. We could not identify a public CFPB consent order or enforcement action against CACH itself, but the company has been named in numerous private FDCPA lawsuits over its collection practices and continues to appear on consumers' credit reports.
District of Columbia-Specific Defenses Against CACH LLC
Statute of Limitations Defense
In District of Columbia, the statute of limitations for credit card debt is 3 years. If your last payment was more than 3 years ago, the debt is time-barred. CACH LLC has been the subject of CFPB findings related to suing on time-barred debts — check your dates carefully and raise the SOL defense in your Answer.
Lack of Standing / Chain of Title
As a debt buyer, CACH LLC must prove they actually purchased your specific account. Demand the complete chain of title — the purchase agreement, bill of sale, and assignment documents. In District of Columbia courts, failing to produce this documentation can result in dismissal.
Challenge the Amount
Demand a complete accounting from the original creditor's last statement through the current claimed balance. Any unauthorized fees, post-charge-off interest, or collection costs not in the original agreement should be disputed line by line.
District of Columbia Wage Garnishment Exemptions
Greater of 75% of disposable earnings or 40x federal minimum wage exempt. DC's higher minimum wage provides extra protection.
DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act
In addition to the federal FDCPA, District of Columbia's DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act may provide additional protections and remedies against CACH LLC's collection practices.
District of Columbia Court System
Small claims limit $10,000. DC Superior Court handles all civil cases. Filing fees in District of Columbia typically range $15-$250.
Common FDCPA Violations by CACH LLC
- Filing suit without adequate chain-of-title documentation
- Attempting to collect debts past the statute of limitations
- Using generic bill-of-sale documents that do not identify the specific account
- Failing to validate debts after receiving timely written dispute
- Suing in inconvenient forums far from where the consumer lives
Statute of Limitations in District of Columbia
| Debt Type | SOL (Years) |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | 3 |
| Medical | 3 |
| Auto | 3 |
| Personal Loan | 3 |
| Written Contract | 3 |
| Oral Contract | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is CACH LLC?
CACH LLC is a debt buying company that purchases defaulted consumer debts and sues to collect. They are not the original creditor and must prove they properly purchased your specific account.
Does CACH LLC have proper documentation?
Often, no. CACH is known for filing lawsuits with minimal documentation. They may use generic bills of sale that do not specifically identify your account. Challenge them to prove ownership.
How old is the debt CACH is suing me for?
CACH frequently purchases older debts. Check your state's statute of limitations — if the debt is too old, you have a complete defense. Do not make any payments, as this could restart the clock.
Can I get the CACH lawsuit dismissed?
Yes, many CACH lawsuits are dismissed when consumers file an Answer and challenge the debt buyer's standing, documentation, and compliance with the statute of limitations.
How long to respond in DC?
21 days from service.
What is the SOL in DC?
3 years for all contract types — one of the shortest in the country.
Can wages be garnished in DC?
Yes, but DC's high minimum wage means the 40x minimum wage exemption provides strong protection.
Where are cases filed?
DC Superior Court handles all civil cases, including small claims up to $10,000.
What is the DC statute of limitations on credit card debt?
DC applies a three-year statute of limitations to actions on simple contracts and obligations not under seal under D.C. Code § 12-301(7), which courts have applied to credit card accounts. The clock typically begins on the date of default or last payment. Three years is one of the shorter SOLs in the country, making DC consumer-friendly on time-barred debt. Once three years pass, the debt is time-barred and a suit on it violates 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2) and § 1692f(1) of the federal FDCPA, as well as the DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act (D.C. Code §§ 28-3901 et seq.). Raise the statute of limitations as an affirmative defense in your Answer and consider counterclaims under both the FDCPA (with $1,000 in statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney's fees under § 1692k) and the CPPA (with treble damages and attorney's fees under D.C. Code § 28-3905). Be cautious about new payments or written acknowledgments, which can restart the SOL under D.C. Code § 28-3506.
What does the DC Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Act do?
The DC Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Amendment Act of 2022 substantially strengthened the District's existing debt collection law (D.C. Code §§ 28-3814 et seq.). Key changes include: (1) extending the law to cover original creditors, not just third-party collectors, similar to California's Rosenthal Act; (2) capping collector communications at three calls per week and one written communication per week per debt; (3) requiring more detailed validation notices than the federal FDCPA at 15 U.S.C. § 1692g; and (4) prohibiting collection on time-barred debts. Violations support private actions under D.C. Code § 28-3814(k) with statutory damages, actual damages, and attorney's fees, and the DC Office of the Attorney General can also enforce the law under the DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act. Together with the federal FDCPA and CFPB Regulation F (12 CFR Part 1006), these protections make DC one of the most consumer-friendly jurisdictions.
How does the DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act help in debt collection?
The DC Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA), D.C. Code §§ 28-3901 et seq., is one of the most powerful state-level consumer protection statutes in the country. It prohibits unfair or deceptive trade practices, which DC courts have applied to abusive debt collection conduct. Under D.C. Code § 28-3905(k), private plaintiffs can recover treble damages or $1,500 per violation (whichever is greater), punitive damages, attorney's fees, and reasonable costs. Unlike the federal FDCPA at 15 U.S.C. §§ 1692-1692p, the CPPA reaches original creditors as well as third-party collectors. The same conduct that supports an FDCPA counterclaim (false statements under § 1692e, unfair practices under § 1692f, validation failures under § 1692g) often supports a parallel CPPA claim with significantly higher damages. The DC Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection also enforces the CPPA in pattern cases.
How much can be garnished from my paycheck in DC?
DC follows federal-floor wage garnishment but with one important enhancement. Under D.C. Code § 16-572, the maximum weekly garnishment is the lesser of 25% of disposable earnings or the amount by which disposable earnings exceed 40 times the higher of the state or federal minimum wage. With DC's 2026 minimum wage of $17.50, the protected weekly floor substantially exceeds the federal 30x minimum wage floor under 15 U.S.C. § 1673. The DC Protecting Consumers from Unjust Debt Collection Practices Amendment Act also limits the percentage that can be garnished for low-income consumers. To assert exemptions, file a claim of exemption with the DC Superior Court. Federal benefits like Social Security, SSI, and VA payments remain fully protected under 42 U.S.C. § 407, and DC also exempts certain retirement income under D.C. Code § 15-501.
What courts handle debt cases in the District of Columbia?
DC Superior Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for the District. Debt collection cases are filed in either the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch (for cases up to $10,000 under D.C. Code § 11-1321) or the regular Civil Division (for larger amounts). In small claims, parties may represent themselves or be represented by counsel, and the procedure is simplified. In the regular Civil Division, formal pleading rules apply. You have 21 days from service to file an Answer in the Civil Division under D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 12(a), and small claims cases require an appearance on the return date listed on the summons. Your Answer should deny the allegations you contest and raise affirmative defenses including statute of limitations under D.C. Code § 12-301(7), lack of standing, failure to validate under 15 U.S.C. § 1692g, and any CPPA or DC debt collection law violations. The federal FDCPA at § 1692i and DC residency rules require the suit to be in DC if you live there.
Sued by CACH LLC in Another State?
CACH LLC files cases nationwide. Select your state for the response deadline, statute of limitations, and state-specific defenses.
Sued by a Different Collector in District of Columbia?
The 21-day District of Columbia response deadline applies no matter who sued you. Pick the creditor on your summons for creditor-specific defenses.
This page summarizes public information from the CFPB Consumer Complaint Database, CFPB enforcement records, and District of Columbia state law. It is not legal advice. Statutes and court rules change — consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia for guidance on your specific case.
Get Your Free CACH LLC Case Review in District of Columbia
Our attorney will review your CACH LLC lawsuit and explain your options in District of Columbia. Free consultation.
Attorney-negotiated settlements available now. Act fast - creditors are calling.