What does restitution require from a convicted offender?

Restitution is a legal requirement imposed on convicted offenders to provide compensation to victims for losses incurred as a direct result of the crime. This means that when a person is found guilty of a criminal offense, the court may order them to repay the victim for damages, medical expenses, lost wages, or any other economic impacts caused by the crime. The purpose of restitution is to help restore the victims to the position they were in before the offense occurred, ensuring that they are not financially burdened due to someone else's illegal actions.

This approach serves not only to help victims recover their losses but also to underscore the accountability of the offender for their actions. Unlike other options that involve punishment or community service, restitution focuses specifically on the reparative aspect of the justice system, reinforcing the idea that offenders have a duty to rectify the harm they've caused.