NCJ Number
214564
Date Published
May 2006
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This pamphlet provides general information on court ordered restitution for crime victims in Maine.
Abstract
"Court ordered restitution" is defined as "monetary reimbursement ordered at the offender's sentencing." It can be a combination of services or monetary reimbursement by an offender to the victim of his/her crime for economic loss caused by the crime. Maine law prohibits restitution for pain and suffering. Restitution can also be ordered for any person, firm, organization, corporation, or government entity that has provided recovery services to the victim. When an offender is paying restitution as a condition of probation, the restitution payments are monitored by the supervising probation officer. If the offender is incarcerated (felony sentence greater than 9 months), 25 percent of all the offender's funds received or earned each month will be taken. When offenders are not incarcerated or on probation, offenders may be ordered to pay restitution through the district attorney's office in the county of sentencing. The Maine Crime Victims' Compensation Program may cover certain victim expenses related to the crime. Victims who seek to be compensated by filing a civil suit against the offenders after the offender has been ordered to pay restitution, the victim will not be required to prove the defendant is guilty. If the offender declares bankruptcy, this does not affect his/her obligation to meet the terms of court-ordered restitution. County and State contact telephone numbers are included.