NCJ Number
79836
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981) Pages: 1-17
Date Published
1981
Length
17 pages
Annotation
A group of 419 adult property offenders granted probation and ordered to repay their victims for the direct monetary losses or property damage incurred as a result of their crime were matched on 28 variables to a group of 179 offenders who were not ordered to pay restitution to their victims.
Abstract
Several outcome variables were also examined to determine the effects of restitution on offenders' behavior and on official treatment of the offenders. The effects of restitution on revocations, arrests, time served, and offenders' personal problems during probation were measured. Compared to those not ordered to repay their victims, the offenders ordered to pay restitution had a more difficult probation experience, having more revocations filed against them and showing greater frequency of reporting, physical health, and money problems. No difference in arrest rate or time on probation was discovered. Those offenders ordered to pay restitution but who did not pay in full had the greatest problems of all, showing the highest revocation filing and actual revocation rate, rate of convictions, and time served. Closer probation officer scrutiny of offenders ordered to pay restitution may account for the restitution group's more difficult experience. The cost of administering restitution programs may not be worth the benefits. Study data in tables and figures, along with footnotes and 16 references are given. (Author abstract modified)