RESTITUTION

Restitution is the money a judge orders the offender to pay the victim to compensate the victim for losses directly related to the crime. Restitution is part of the offender's sentence or disposition and can be ordered after the offender is found guilty or pleads guilty. The amount of restitution the judge orders depends on the victim's crime-related expenses and the offender's ability to pay.

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Who can request restitution?

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Victims with out-of-pocket losses resulting from the crime may request restitution. Organizations such as churches, schools, businesses or government agencies may also be eligible if they sustained a loss due to the criminal activity of the defendant.

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What does restitution cover?

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Restitution may be requested for a victim's out-of-pocket losses that are a direct result of a crime. Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to, medical and dental bills, counseling costs, property losses and repairing damaged property.

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Expenses not covered by restitution?

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Costs that are not related to the crime(s) committed by the offender will not be included in a restitution judgment. A criminal court cannot order restitution payments for physical pain, suffering or emotional trauma. Victims seeking financial compensation for these types of losses may wish to hire an attorney to pursue a personal injury claim in civil court against the offender. The offender's financial resources and ability to pay should be taken into account when considering this option.

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How is Restitution Obtained?

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At sentencing, the judge enters a judgment directing the offender to reimburse victims for some or all of the offense-related expenses. Compliance with the judgment automatically becomes a condition of the offender's probation or parole. Our office will monitor payments and take appropriate efforts to ensure the defendant honors their restitution obligations and will pursue various means to enforce the payment of restitution. Realistically, however, the chance of full recovery is low. Many defendants will not have sufficient assets to repay their victims. While defendants may make partial payments toward the full restitution owed, it is rare that defendants are able to fully pay the entire restitution amount owed. If and when the defendant pays, you most likely will receive a number of small payments over a period of time. It is sometimes best to seek the advice of an attorney and pursue relief in civil court for your losses and to enforce the judgment against the defendant.

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How to Request Restitution?

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If you have suffered injury or property loss as a result of criminal activity and charges have been filed, please take a moment to fill out and send in the Victim Impact Statement below so that we can include restitution when appropriate.

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VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT

Please return the Victim Impact Statement to:

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Greene County Victim/Witness Services Office
1010 Boonville Ave
Springfield, MO 65802​​