When a victim of a crime has suffered a loss, we attempt, when possible, to obtain an order for restitution. Restitution is reimbursement, paid by the defendant, for out-of-pocket expenses. Under Idaho law, the victim is entitled to an order of restitution unless it is deemed undesirable or inappropriate by the Judge, in which case an order stating the reason for the denial is issued.
Restitution is usually made in monthly payments that are based on the defendant’s ability to pay. The defendant is ordered to send payments to the Gooding County Clerk who will, in turn, issue a check and forward the payment to the victim.
Should the defendant be sent to the penitentiary, the Parole Board will decide if restitution is appropriate upon the defendant’s release.
Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program
The Idaho Crime Victims Compensation Program was established in 1986 to provide financial assistance to crime victims who are injured as the result of criminally injurious conduct.
A claim for benefits under the Crime Victims Compensation Act may be filed by a victim, the spouse or children of a deceased victim, or other authorized persons, such as a parent or guardian of a victim who is a minor.