ACAT Criminal Justice Practice Test 2026 - Free Criminal Justice Practice Questions and Study Guide

Restitution is a court-ordered obligation in which the offender must compensate the victim for financial losses caused by the crime. It focuses on making the victim whole by paying for direct costs from the offense, such as repairing or replacing damaged property, medical expenses, or other out-of-pocket losses like stolen items or lost wages. This money is typically paid to the victim or to a designated victim fund, not to the court as punishment.

This differs from a fine, which is money paid to the government as punishment for the offense. It also isn’t a form of community service or a mechanism for early release—the latter are separate sanctions or incentives in the justice system. For example, if a person burglarizes a home and damages property, restitution would cover the cost to repair or replace what was damaged, ensuring the victim is financially compensated.