What Is Restitution in a Massachusetts Criminal Case?

In Massachusetts, restitution is money you may be ordered to pay to a victim after a conviction or admission. It’s meant to cover the victim’s actual losses, not to punish you further.

Restitution typically applies in cases involving property damage, theft, or physical harm. If someone’s window was broken, car was stolen, or medical bills were incurred, the court may order you to pay those costs back as part of your sentence or probation.

But the amount has to be proven. The Commonwealth must show that the losses were caused by the crime and are reasonably documented. I’ve challenged restitution amounts where the paperwork didn’t match up, or the victim tried to include things that weren’t related.

You also have a right to a restitution hearing. If you dispute the amount, the court will hold a hearing and let both sides present evidence. Sometimes restitution can be reduced or eliminated depending on your financial situation or the strength of the claim.

Restitution isn’t automatic, and it’s not the same as civil damages. If you’re facing a demand to pay money in a criminal case, I can help protect your rights and fight for a fair result.