Restitution Definition in Law: Civil and Criminal Cases Restitution is a legal remedy that requires a wrongdoer to give back what they gained or compensate for what their victim lost In civil law, that often means reversing unjust enrichment; in criminal law, it means a court-ordered payment from the offender to the victim as part of a sentence
Criminal Division | Restitution Process A court may also decline to order restitution if it finds that determining restitution in a case is too complex At sentencing, the judge then enters an "Order for Restitution," directing the offender to reimburse victims for some or all of the offense-related financial losses
restitution | Wex | US Law | LII Legal Information Institute Restitution refers to both the return of something wrongfully taken, and to compensate for loss or injury In civil cases, restitution is a remedy most often associated with unjust enrichment, where recovery is measured by the defendant’s gain rather than the plaintiff’s loss
Do You Have to Pay Restitution: Rules and Consequences Restitution can follow you for years Here's what it covers, how it's calculated, and what happens if you can't pay Court-ordered restitution is a legally enforceable debt, and ignoring it can lead to wage garnishment, property liens, extended supervision, or even jail time
RCW 9. 94A. 750 - Washington The court shall identify in the judgment and sentence the victim or victims entitled to restitution and what amount is due each victim The state or victim may enforce the court-ordered restitution in the same manner as a judgment in a civil action
Restitution Meaning in Law: Clear Definition (2026) Restitution means repaying someone for a loss caused by another person’s wrongful act or crime In legal contexts, it refers to a court-ordered payment designed to restore the victim — or wronged party — to the financial position they held before the harm occurred