What can the determination of restitution owed to a victim include?

The determination of restitution owed to a victim can indeed include tangible losses occurring during the crime. This aspect focuses on the direct financial impact that the crime has had on the victim, which can encompass a variety of losses such as property damage, stolen items, medical expenses incurred due to injuries from the crime, and other measurable financial setbacks directly linked to the offense.

In the context of community corrections, restitution is aimed at making the victim whole by compensating them for these concrete losses. This aligns with the restorative justice philosophy that seeks to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior rather than simply punishing the offender. Therefore, tangible losses are prioritized since they can be more easily calculated and linked to the crime itself.

In contrast, public defender's fees and court costs are generally considered part of the legal process rather than direct compensatory measures to victims. Compensation for pain and suffering, while often pursued in civil cases, typically does not fall within the scope of criminal restitution, which focuses on quantifiable economic damages. Hence, identifying tangible losses is crucial for achieving just restitution outcomes within the framework of community corrections.