Opinion ID: 1992362
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: evidence of restitution owed

Text: Finally, we note that we reject appellees' argument that the failure of the claims agent to appear resulted in a failure of proof as to the amount of restitution owed. Appellees ignore the fact that they entered guilty pleas to charges which specifically alleged receipt of three thousand four hundred and twelve dollars ($3,412.00) worth of fraudulently obtained general assistance and food stamps. Appellees also ignore the fact that acceptance of the guilty plea and imposition of second degree misdemeanor convictions necessarily implied a finding that between $1,000 and $1,499 had been obtained as to each count. See 62 Pa.S.A. § 481(b). [8] The trial court, therefore, could not find that no money had been fraudulently obtained. We note that the trial court did not find that no money had been fraudulently obtained, nor did the court indicate that the evidence of record was insufficient and provided the prosecutor who was present with an opportunity to supplement the record with further evidence of the amount of restitution owed. Rather, the trial court simply refused to impose restitution because the claims agent failed to appear as requested. Finally, the refusal to order restitution cannot be justified on the basis of a failure of proof as to the appellees' ability to pay. Because there is no time limit to the period of repayment, the mandate of Bearden that the convict not be imprisoned based solely upon his or her inability to pay, does not limit the amount of restitution ordered pursuant to 62 Pa.S.A. § 481(c). Rather, a convict's ability to pay limits only the exercise of the court's discretion as to the terms of the repayment of the restitution ordered. Moreover, the trial court apparently found sufficient ability to pay to impose separate obligations of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) a month upon each appellee towards payments of the fines imposed. We note that the obligation to make restitution payments takes precedence over the obligation to pay fines. 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 9726(c)(2); cf. A Supplement to the Penal Laws of this State (1791), reprinted in 3 Sm.L. 37 (1810) (restitution is to be made prior to the imposition of any forfeiture to the state).