Maricopa County Tops Country in Criminal Case Restitution Collection
If you’re ordered to pay restitution by a judge in a criminal case, you can expect that you will have to pay it, particularly if you were sentenced in Maricopa County. That county was recently recognized as one of the top five in the country on collecting money owed to victims. According to the Arizona Republic, the county collected about $500,000 in delinquent payments from 266 defendants since 2008.
The ranking was done by the National Center for Victims of Crime and Maricopa County’s recognition means other counties across the nation may soon be following their lead. So, what does Maricopa County do that other courts don’t? Well, they don’t take no for an answer.
Chronic non-payers are brought before the judge, sometimes on a monthly basis. They are asked things about their income, their bills, and even what kind of phone they use. “If they’re ordered to pay $100 a month and they come in with a BlackBerry, I know they’re paying $150 a month for a data plan,” said Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle.
Their payments are based on what they are able to pay. But, this doesn’t mean the defendants are given any breaks. The court will send representatives to their homes to see how they’re living if the judge feels it’s necessary to determine their ability to pay.
If they simply refuse to pay—jail time will be ordered.
It’s called Restitution-Enforcement Court and it’s a pretty unique program. But it seems to be working. Arizona’s Constitution states that victims are entitled to “prompt” restitution, and the court wants to see this be a reality.
Restitution is most often ordered in theft and fraud cases, where something of value is taken from a citizen and the defendant is ordered to repay them. But fines and court costs are commonplace in all criminal cases.
Penalties like these are just the tip of the iceberg when you are facing criminal charges. Jail or prison time is obviously the most feared consequence of a criminal act, but even probation and a suspended license can make your life difficult.
If you are charged with a crime and unsure of what to do, contact me to discuss your case today. An attorney consultation can provide insight into just what sort of sentence you might be facing and how you might be able to avoid the most serious of penalties.
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