On this record, we do not perceive that this comment or its effect was so prejudicial or serious that defendant did not receive a fair trial. The prosecutor's entire closing argument encompassed 24 transcript pages and the comment noted by Williams was but a small part of the entire argument. He contends that because the PSI agent indicated that he had been unable to verify the property loss amounts, there was no factual basis on which to make the award. Deciding whether a particular item of restitution fits within the statutory definition is a question of law and is fully reviewable by the appellate court. However, the district court has wide discretion in ordering restitution.
Victim means a natural person who incurs loss or harm as a result of a crime.
Furthermore, if a victim's parents suffer economic harm as a result of a crime, the court may order that restitution be paid to them. Restitution may be aimed at either rehabilitation of the defendant or compensation to the victim. Where the aim is to rehabilitate, the amount should be set according to the defendant's ability to pay and need not fully compensate the victim. However, if the goal is to compensate the victim, the amount should be based on the injury to the victim. In this instance, Williams was prosecuted for possession of the victim's stolen property and theft of the motor vehicle of the victim's father.