New Restitution Program Announced for Crime Victims
Monday, Feb 1, 2010 | Updated 8:15 PM PST
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Riverside County crime victims seeking restitution from the criminals responsible for their losses may not have to wait as long,
thanks to a new system that became active Monday.
The system, spearheaded by the District Attorney's Office, relies on the county Probation Department to estimate the amount of restitution to which a victim may be entitled. Previously, the courts had sole discretion over calculating victims' losses.
But the time between figuring out the amount and a judge issuing an order for restitution has often left victims waiting a year or more for payment, according to the District Attorney Rod Pacheco.
"It is a mission of this office to see that victims receive justice, and that often comes in the form of financial restitution," Pacheco said.
Judges will continue to issue restitution orders, but under the new system, the Probation Department will be responsible for determining how much restitution is owed, authorities said.
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"The Probation Department strives to provide victims of crime with the assistance they need to recover from their losses, and we are pleased to be a part of this collaborative effort," said county Chief Deputy Probation Officer Mark Hake.
"We expect the Probation Department's involvement in determining the amount of restitution owed ... will result in improved services to victims and greater efficiencies within the county's criminal justice system."
The court, through its Enhanced Collections Division, will continue to collect restitution payments.
The District Attorney's Office said efforts to expedite victims' compensation are in keeping with the spirit of Proposition 9 -- "Marsy's Law" -- passed by the state's voters in November 2008.
Among other things, the law requires full restitution to crime victims, including for the cost of funeral and burial expenses, counseling costs and financial losses related to robberies and burglaries.
Defendants can challenge initial restitution orders, resulting in a hearing during which each side presents its case to a judge.
