Glossary
What is Restitution?
Money a court orders a convicted person to pay a victim to cover losses such as medical bills, lost income or property damage.
Restitution is money a court orders a convicted person to pay the victim of a crime. It is usually part of the sentence or a condition of probation. The goal is to cover the victim's losses, such as medical bills, lost income or property repairs.
Many places require restitution for certain crimes, including some violent offenses and some theft or fraud offenses. It is one type of legal financial obligation.
Restitution can affect a person's money while in custody. Minnesota's work release program, for example, requires participants to pay court-ordered restitution.
Read more
- What Happens to Commissary Money When Someone Is Released?
- The Cost of Supporting a Loved One in Prison, and How to Stretch Your Budget