Restitution may be ordered in both juvenile and adult cases after the offender has been convicted. The restitution order is part of the offender's sentence. The amount of restitution must be based on the victim's expenses as a result of the crime AND the offender's ability to pay. A victim of crime has the right to ask the judge to order restitution. The request for restitution should be made in writing prior to sentencing.
Most counties have forms available for the victim to use.
Someone from the prosecutor's office or probation should contact you about requesting restitution. If the full extent of the victim's loss is not known at the time of sentencing, and the offender is on probation or supervised release, the amount of restitution may be determined at a later date. The court does not have to order restitution, particularly if the necessary information is not provided by the victim. If the victim requests restitution and the judge does not order it, the judge must explain the reasons. The offender has the right to object to expenses submitted for payment.