Restitution is a monetary award designed to help restore you for financial loss and damages suffered as a result of the crime. Restitution is ordered by the court during the sentencing of an offender. The District Attorney’s office works with you to determine appropriate amounts.  It is your right as a victim of crime to receive restitution for your losses.

Restitution awards could include expenses for the following:  

• Medical Bills 
• Stolen Cash or Property 
• Insurance Deductibles 
• Medical Appointment Copays 
• Funeral Expenses 

If you have a loss because of the crime and want the judge to order restitution for your losses, you will need to talk to the district attorney who is prosecuting the offender. An advocate from a Victim Service Program will give you a restitution form for you to complete. You will need to save all your bills and receipts, this will help the district attorney and judge decide the amount of restitution to order for you.

Restitution is handled differently in each county, the district attorney or your advocate can answer your questions. If restitution is not ordered by the court, you may want to talk to an attorney about filing a civil suit against the offender to try and get reimbursed for your losses.

Learn more about Restitution from the Office of Victim Advocate.