What is “Restitution”?
You may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses you have incurred by way of personal injury or property loss suffered as a result of a crime. There is no funding available for stolen or damaged personal property. However, you may request that the Judge who sentences the defendant after he is found guilty, or pleads guilty, to order the defendant to reimburse you for your loss. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may or may not require the defendant to pay restitution. You can also seek the advice of a civil attorney to attempt to regain your losses.It is up to you to prove the amount of your loss to the court. Be sure to keep good records and bring them with you to all conferences and court appearances.
Criminal restitution is money ordered by the court to repay a victim or the victim’s insurance company for financial losses resulting from the criminal act. It is the right of a victim to be reimbursed for losses caused directly by the commission of a crime. The law limits restitution to certain kinds of expenses and losses.
Restitution involves ordering the defendant to pay the victim a sum of money designed to compensate the victim for the monetary costs of the crime. Some individuals convicted of white collar crimes are also required to pay fines. The federal Mandatory Victims’ Restitution Act of 1996 provides that victims may be entitled to an order of restitution for certain losses suffered as a direct result of a crime for which the defendant was convicted. Many state and federal laws also require a criminal offender to make restitution to the victim, and the court will order restitution under those laws when the offender is sentenced.
