NCJ Number
87336
Editor(s)
C Deane,
A Klein
Date Published
1981
Length
30 pages
Annotation
In addition to providing sample forms used in the victim services program of the Quincy District Court (Massachusetts), this manual presents intake procedures that apply to postsentencing restitution, violent crimes, the presentence period, inconvenience costs, and victim-offender meetings.
Abstract
In a restitution/community service referral, the defendant is interviewed prior to contacting the victim to obtain the offender's version of the offense. The offender is also given information about the restitution procedure. The victim is to be called on the day of the referral to obtain his/her version of the offense and explain restitution procedures. The victim is also asked if a meeting with the offender is desired. Information relevant to determining what the victim should receive in restitution is also obtained from the victim. The victim-offender meeting can be used to allow the victim to vent anger about the crime to the offender and also to personalize the effect of the offense to the offender. It can also be used to settle any differences about the restitution amount. In the case of violent crimes, it is explained to the victim or the dependent of a homicide victim that compensation of up to $10,000 may be granted by the State. In the case of presentence contact with the victim, the victim should be asked for a recommendation on the disposition of the case and also be kept informed of the case's progress. In addition to requiring offenders to pay back documented loss to victims, offenders also pay inconvenience costs as a punitive or corrective experience. Inconvenience costs are determined on a sliding scale based on the offender's daily income.