RESTITUTION

As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to some form of compensation for your losses or damages.  Listed below are ways you may be able to recover your losses: 

Restitution Claim

You will be provided with a restitution form by the District Attorney's Office. Although restitution is requested by the District Attorney's Office, the restitution amount is ultimately ordered by the Court at the time of sentencing. The collection and distribution of monies is handled by the Clerk of Courts Office and enforcement of restitution payments is handled by the Adult Probation Office.

Only expenses incurred as a direct result of the crime, such as medical bills, property damage, and fair value of stolen property are considered for restitution. Indirect expenses such as lost wages, gas mileage for hearings and car rentals will not be ordered as restitution. Money for "pain and suffering" is never ordered for restitution.

Note: Indirect expenses may be pursued through civil litigation.

Victim Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP)

This program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency covers any unreimbursed medical expenses, counseling fees, loss of wages, support or loss of ability to earn wages and/or funeral expenses. Loss of property and pain and suffering are not covered.

To determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements, ask one of our Victim/Witness Coordinators or call VCAP directly at 1-800-233-2339.

To file with VCAP, log onto www.pacrimevictims.state.pa.us and click on "Financial Assistance" and then "Victim Compensation." You may also call a Victim/Witness Coordinator at (610) 478-6000.