Attorney Steven Andrew Krieger's Legal Cases

Libel and slander

Online Defamation in DC

Mar 20, 2016

OUTCOME: Client was able to keep review posted.

In late 2015, I was retained by a client who was unhappy with a general contractor. The client posted a negative review of the contractor and when the client refused to give-up his First Amendment rig ... hts by removing the review, he was served with a $50,000 defamation lawsuit. Clearly, this was a lawsuit meant to scare the client and strong-arm the client into removing the review. I was able to win a Special Motion to Dismiss under the D.C. Anti-SLAPP Act (strategic lawsuit against public policy) and the contractors libel suit was dismissed with prejudice.

Residential real estate

Arlington Tear Down Project

Jul 11, 2013

OUTCOME: Approval of variance by Arlington Board of Zoning Appeals

The property posed a number of unique zoning challenges that required a variance instead of the simpler use-permit. The challenges were overcome to allow the owners to build their dream home. The ... existing structure was built in 1939, so the front and the right side of the home did not comply with the current zoning requirements for setbacks. If these sides were demolished, any new structure would have had to comply with the current zoning setback requirements. Therefore, the most critical decision for the owners was whether to demolish the entire structure or keep one or more existing walls. Demolishing everything is much simpler, but it reduces the amount of buildable space on the property. Keeping one or more existing walls is significantly more complicated, but allowed the owners to maximize the buildable area. Ultimately, the owners decided to keep several existing walls to maximize their buildable area and were granted a variance for this purpose.

Landlord or tenant

Landlords and Tenants Both Have Rights

N/A

OUTCOME: My clients rights were protected -- landlords or tenants

On a regular basis, I help landlords resolve differences with tenants. Ideally, this allows the landlord to collect the past due rent and allows the tenant to remain at the property. Eviction is one a ... vailable tool, but not the only option as mediation and other types of agreements are sometimes more productive. Additionally, on a regular basis, I help tenants recover against predatory landlords including one landlord who sued my client for unpaid rent equivalent to five months even though no lease was signed and the tenant did not take possession of the property. With my help, we were able to successfully defend the landlord's predatory case. Similarly, another tenant retained me after being evicted due to unpaid rent. Although the tenant was already evicted, the landlord and tenant made an agreement to allow the tenant to stay in the property if the tenant began catching-up on rent. When the landlord went back on that agreement, I was able to help the client stop the wrongful execution of the writ of possession and remain in the property.

Steven Andrew Krieger's Legal Cases (3)

Online Defamation in DC

Arlington Tear Down Project

Landlords and Tenants Both Have Rights