NCJ Number
151772
Date Published
1992
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the operation and results of a 1990 Dutch restitution program concerning 163 summons-serving cases, involving 182 offenders and 192 victims, that allowed offenders and victims to reconcile without the need for further criminal justice system intervention.
Abstract
Offenses involved included property, assault, and vandalism. Program workers approached both victim and offender regarding participation; both were given no-cost legal counsel during the program, as negotiations were conducted by both parties' lawyers. Once a civil agreement was signed, the office of the public prosecutor dismissed the case. Negotiations were commenced in 90 cases, resulting in 58 settlements involving 64 offenders and 58 victims; a 36-percent success rate. Settlements ranged from financial compensation to agreement on no further action by both parties involved, and the average settlement time was 58 days. If there was no settlement, the case was returned to the criminal justice system. At project end, interviews were conducted with offenders, victims, and lawyers; all gave the project a positive rating. 15 references, 21 tables, and 2 appendixes