NCJ Number
150497
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1994) Pages: 34-40
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
An exploratory study of fines and restitution orders in the Federal probation system was conducted in the probation office of the Northern District of Illinois; information was obtained on perceptions and experiences of probationers who received a fine or restitution as part of their sentences.
Abstract
An interview schedule was developed to collect relevant data from probationers about their views on fines and restitution. Probationers were selected from a target timeframe, all cases scheduled for termination between March and September 1992. Of 110 probationers identified, 82 volunteered to participate and were interviewed. The sample contained 18 females (22 percent) and 64 males (78 percent). The average age of probationers was 45 years, 75 percent were fully employed, 39 percent received a split sentence that included some incarceration, and 43 percent received probation and a fine or restitution. Results showed that almost two-thirds of probationers satisfied their financial obligations in full, and probationers recognized financial sanctions as punitive. Fines and restitution were equally imposed among offenders in lower, middle, and upper socioeconomic brackets. Fine and restitution amounts were relatively low when statutory parameters were considered. Probationers tended to view probation officers more as helpers than as collectors and made four suggestions for making fines and restitution more effective: (1) ability to pay should be more carefully considered; (2) the court should assign restitution more fairly; (3) probation officers should be more consistent in collection efforts; and (4) probation departments should improve collection accounting. 26 references, 4 notes, and 7 tables