Opinion ID: 2396996
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Defendants' Payment Ability

Text: In his final argument, Redick alleges that the Superior Court failed to consider his ability to pay as a factor in determining the amount of restitution. Redick argues that he is destitute and, therefore, the restitution amount is overly burdensome. Redick had the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence both his financial obligations and the lack of resources that he contended were relevant to his inability to make restitution. [27] The Superior Court heard testimony at the restitution hearing concerning Redick's financial situation, his educational background and his ability to work. Redick testified that he was twenty-six years old and a college graduate. He is employed at his father's wholesale flower and plant company as a delivery person. Because of a prior felony conviction, Redick testified that he could not find a better job. Redick also testified that he owes his father $3,000 for legal bills, and that his father withholds Redick's paycheck to satisfy the debt. Conversely, Redick lives rent-free; he does not pay for his food; his father provides spending money for him; and he has access to a company cell phone. Redick also testified that he has between $600 and $1,000 currently in the bank. In Pratt v. State, [28] this Court noted that there is no statutory requirement that a defendant's ability to pay be considered in determining the nature and amount of restitution. [29] Nevertheless, in Pratt this Court provided guidelines to assist the trial courts in implementing the restitution statute. [30] Included as part of the guidelines is the following language: The defendant's ability to pay is an element to be considered in determining the amount of restitution and the schedule of payments. [31] The defendants in Pratt were transient servicemen stationed in Delaware. They had no marketable skills and would be serving five years in prison. Under those circumstances, this Court held there was no abuse of discretion in the trial court's order requiring each defendant to pay almost $23,000 in restitution. [32] A fortiori, there was no abuse of discretion in the Superior Court's determination that Redick pay restitution to Comcast in the amount of $23,975. Redick is a college graduate. He is not incarcerated and his current expenses are minimal. Additionally, Redick testified that he hopes to obtain a better job.