NCJ Number
101762
Date Published
Unknown
Length
57 pages
Annotation
Results from a 1986 nationwide study, and a survey of 26 New Jersey criminal justice officials, examined the use of restitution as a parole condition in the United States and in New Jersey in particular.
Abstract
Of the 27 States responding to the nationwide survey questionnaire, 19 responded that they occasionally use restitution as a parole condition, but in most cases it is derived from the original sentencing order. Of New Jersey respondents, 81 percent indicated support for such a use of restitution. However, review of the circumstances of 2,717 inmates found that few would have the ability to pay restitution as a parole condition. Although New Jersey law and court decisions would permit the use of restitution as a rehabilitative vehicle during parole, the cost of administering such a scheme as well as the inability of most offenders to pay restitution while meeting their other financial obligations makes it impractical. An alternative proposal is to assess fines for offenders entering parole who have not received restitution as an aspect of their sentence. These fines would go to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board for use in compensating victims. 22 references.