For a fee, an attorney can help you locate the offender' s money or property and collect the restitution from the offender's bank accounts or wages. If you want to collect the money yourself without an attorney, the Clerk of Court can provide more information on the forms which need to be filed and the fees charged. A separate civil action would need to be brought against the parents which can usually be handled in Small Claims Court. Again, the Clerk of Court's omce can provide the forms. There will be a filing fee.
Restitution is only available if the offender is convicted of a crime and ordered by the court.
Restitution can be ordered for all your expenses related to the crime, including property losses. Restitution is paid by the offender. In all cases, you must file a compensation claim within two years of the injury or within two years of discovery in cases of child sexual abuse. The Crime Victim Compensation Program does not pay for property losses. If you are a victim of a violent crime, you should file a claim with the Crime Victim Compensation Program even though you are also requesting restitution.