Restitution
Restitution is money the court orders the offender to pay the victim for out-of-pocket losses that are a result of a crime.
To request restitution, you must submit the Request for Restitution form. Contact Victim Witness Program staff at 651-438-4470 for a copy of the form or for help with completing it.
Include the following information along with the completed Request for Restitution form:
- An itemized description of your losses.
- The cost for repair or replacement.
- Receipts, written estimates, insurance claim forms, or explanations for how you determined the costs. Do not send original documents.
Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:
- Medical or dental bills.
- Funeral expenses.
- Counseling costs.
- Transportation costs.
- Lost wages.
- Repair or replacement of stolen or damaged property.
Payments for pain and suffering or emotional distress cannot be ordered by the criminal court. Victims who want compensation for this type of loss need to hire a private attorney.
Restitution payments
Once the amount is ordered by the court, the offender is required to make payments to District Court. District Court then issues reimbursement checks to the victim. For questions about payments, contact District Court at 651-377-7180.
Reimbursement
Victims of violent crimes who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive reimbursement for funeral expenses, medical, dental and counseling expenses, lost wages, substitute childcare and more. Property and financial crimes are not eligible.
Funds are available through the Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program. For more information , visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
Emergency Fund Program
The Emergency Fund Program provides emergency financial assistance to crime victims for the replacement of necessary property and other expenses. Eligible crimes include property damage, vehicle theft, arson and more. A maximum of $500 per household may be awarded.
Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Replacement of necessary property that was lost, stolen or damaged as a result of a crime such as door or window repair or a lock change.
- Purchase and installation of necessary home security devices.
- Transportation to locations directly related to the needs of the victim like a medical facility.
- Cleanup of a crime scene.
- Reimbursement for travel and living expenses to attend court hearings after a change in venue.
- Reimbursement for towing and impound expenses for a recovered stolen vehicle.
To be eligible, you must be a victim of a crime, not engaged in criminal behavior at the time of the incident, need financial assistance and have reported the crime to law enforcement.
The victim must a provide a brief statement explaining what the money will be used for, why the situation is an emergency and why financial assistance is needed. The victim must agree to reimburse the fund if reimbursement is received from another source. Funds will be provided to the victim within two working days after the application process is completed.
For more information or to apply for the Emergency Fund Program, contact Cornerstone's General Crime Victim Services Program at 612-767-9844.
Civil judgment
A civil judgment is a final court decision requiring one party to pay money to another party. In certain situations, the court can order a civil judgment when restitution is ordered as part of the defendant's sentence.
Crime victims do not need to file a separate civil lawsuit to get a civil judgment for the amount of restitution owed to them. The criminal or juvenile delinquency court order for restitution can be changed into a civil judgment.
The judgment is enforceable for 10 years and can be renewed. For more information about civil judgments, contact Court Administration at 651-377-7180.