Restitution
Restitution is money paid to a victim for the actual loss or damage resulting from a crime. The judge may order the offender to pay money to you the victim. This is one way the offender can make up for the harm you have experienced.
Restitution may be ordered for:
- damage or loss to your property;
- financial loss or expenses due to a physical injury;
- the actual expenses of temporary housing, food, childcare, transportation or for moving out of the offender’s household where the harm is to the offender’s spouse or child; or
- financial loss due to fraud.
While you wait for the judge to make a decision about your restitution, you may wish to take the steps you feel are necessary to repair the damages you have suffered. Keep the actual invoices or bills for cost of repairs, replacement and/or other directly-related costs.
If the offender is convicted, the judge will decide whether it is appropriate to order restitution. When restitution is ordered, you will be advised of the amount and the deadline by which the offender must pay it.
Restitution Civil Enforcement Program
This program helps individuals or non-profit organizations collect. This voluntary program allows victims to register their restitution orders with the Ministry of Justice at no cost. Collection officers act on their behalf to collect unpaid restitution from offenders.
- After victims have registered their restitution orders, collection officers register the orders with the Court of Queen’s Bench and with the Judgments Registry, Information Services Corporation.
- The services of Queen’s Bench Sheriff’s Offices are used for service of documents and enforcement Monies paid by the offender are forwarded within 30 days of receipt by regular mail to the victim.
To apply for restitution from an offender, you have to complete the Statement on Restitution (page 3 of this form). Victim Services or Restitution Program staff may help you complete the Statement on Restitution. Send your completed and signed form to our office or your local police service or RCMP detachment as soon as possible.