What is Restitution and Why Do I Have to Pay It? What Is Restitution? When is Restitution Due? Restitution is a sum of money you are ordered to pay Restitution is due as soon as possible. It is a to compensate the victim of your crime for their loss condition of your supervision. If you are unable or injury. When you commit a crime, you not only to pay the full amount immediately, your harm the victim but the community as well. You have Probation Officer will determine a suitable an obligation to repair the harm created by your payment plan and can help you find a job. actions. Where Do I Send My Payments? One way to repair the harm is to pay back your victim for any out of pocket financial losses they suffered Payments may be made by check or money order because of your behavior. These financial losses may through the mail. Include your name and the word include property loss, medical bills, home and car “Restitution” on the memo line. Checks and money repairs, insurance deductibles, etc. Paying restitution orders should be made payable to: Allegheny County is a way of taking responsibility for your actions and Juvenile Court and mailed to the following address: trying to make things right. How Is Restitution Determined? Allegheny County Juvenile Court Attn: Restitution Dept. Victims provide documentation (such as bills, receipts, Room 2001 and financial statements) showing the value of items 550 Fifth Avenue stolen or damaged and the amount of payment, if Pittsburgh, PA 15219 any, made by their insurance company. If the case goes to court, the Judge or Hearing Officer will verify You may also make payments directly to your the claim and determine the actual amount you owe. Probation Officer or by paying in person at the above If the case is handled at an Intake Conference, the address at the restitution window on the 2nd floor Intake or Probation Officer will verify the amount and between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday determine the actual amount you owe. through Friday. What If I Disagree With The Amount Of How Long Do I Have To Pay Restitution? Restitution Ordered? Restitution must be paid in full before your case can If you disagree with the amount of restitution ordered, be closed. If you do not pay in full, you could be on you should discuss your concerns with your attorney, probation until you are 21 years old. who will be able to answer your questions. You cannot see the victim’s financial statements or If you are on a Consent Decree or Extended Service receipts, but you can be told what is listed on them. Agreement, payment must be made in full before the Consent Decree or Agreement can expire. Can My Parents Pay Restitution For Me? What Happens If I Do Not Pay? Yes, but you should then pay your parents back for Failure to pay your restitution is a violation of your the full amount. You are the one who committed court supervision. You will have to reappear in the crime and you should take responsibility for court to explain why you haven’t paid. Possible making things right. consequences if you do not pay restitution include: • Extension of your Consent Decree • Extension of your Extended Service Can I Pay My Victim(s) Directly? Agreement No. Once restitution has been ordered by the • Extension of your Probation supervision Court, your payments MUST come through the • A hearing before the Juvenile Court Judge Juvenile Court Restitution Department. Your • Detention at Shuman Center payment will be recorded so that you receive credit • Placement in a weekend or residential for it , and a check will then be mailed to the victim. program • A wage attachment, in which money is deducted from your paycheck until your How Can I Pay If I Don’t Have A Job? restitution order is paid off. • A civil suit filed by the victim against you and If you need help in finding a job, talk to your your parents in order to get the money you Probation Officer. The Probation Officer has access owe. to special work programs and may be able to assist • A judgment lien against your property (such you in finding employment. Remember that you owe a debt to the victim and you may have to take as your house or car) in which you cannot sell a job that is not exactly what you want to do in or transfer your property until you have paid order to pay back your debt the money you owe. How Can I Pay If I’m Too Young To Work? Published and Distributed by If you are too young to work, check with your Juvenile Section parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. You Common Pleas Court may be able to do chores or other tasks such as Family Division cutting grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or Russell Carlino, Administrator 550 Fifth Avenue other things to earn money. You may also be able Pittsburgh, PA 15219 to do community service You may also be eligible to participate in a Stipend program through your (412) 350-0200 Probation Officer. Fax: 412-350-0197 .