Restitution

Restitution: Making Sure That Crime Doesn't Pay

Carolyn Miller
Restitution Coordinator

Since 1996, the Fayette Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has been focusing considerable energy and resources into the establishment and operation of its restitution program. Although restitution has been a part of the prosecution process for many years, the extra diligence of these past three years has brought numerous improvements in the process. As part of the Victims' Services Division, the restitution program attempts to maximize payment collection and keep victims informed.

During the pre-sentencing phase, we work with victims to assess their total out-of-pocket losses relating to the crime. To facilitate this, we send to each victim a report form, which allows them to detail their losses, with additional correspondence as needed.

At the time of sentencing, one of the prosecutors from our office will request that the judge order the defendant to pay restitution to the victim. Letters are then sent from our office to the victim explaining the sentence, how it effects the payment of restitution, as well as outlining the victim's other options for compensation as specified under Kentucky law.

Finally, during any defendant's probationary period, we monitor the monthly restitution payments and inform the victim if a payment is missed. At this point, we also provide the victim with the names and phone numbers of others who may have more information and/or the authority to revoke the defendant's probation.

The following restitution has been ordered by various Fayette Circuit Court Judges:

Restitution in Fayette Circuit Court
Year	Amount
1999	$643,009.04
1998	$697,638.76
1997	$370,464.76

	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.
Total defendants ordered to pay restitution	308	304	307
Total current in paying restitution	127	96	98
Total delinquent in paying restitution	99	126	122
Total never paying restitution	32	40	43
Total defendants paying off restitution	4	1	3
Total defendants set up to pay restitution	15	10	11
Warrants outstanding for failure to pay	31	31	31

We hope to continue to improve the quality and frequency of information that is sent to the victims in the cases we prosecute. Please contact us if you have any questions or suggestions for enhancement of our program. Our Restitution Program Coordinator is Carolyn Miller and she may be reached at (859) 246-2060.