NCJ Number
100308
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1985) Pages: 477-490
Date Published
1985
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of the Yukon territory restitution program was evaluated using data for 319 (of 323) restitution orders made between April 1981 and March 1983.
Abstract
These cases represented 22 percent of all probation orders during this time. Of these, 60.8 percent were fully paid, 3.8 percent were partially paid, and 35.4 percent were unpaid. Of the total $127,909 ordered, $55,195 was collected. The ratio of male to female restitution cases was the same as for general probation: 85 percent male and 15 percent female. Data analyses indicate that males more often paid restitution for property damage and destruction, while females more often paid restitution for paper offenses and minor thefts. More Native Americans received restitution orders than did whites. Dispositions associated with restitution orders were relatively evenly split among fines, suspended sentences, and conditional discharge. The highest compliance rate was among offenders receiving a conditional discharge; the lowest, among those receiving suspended sentences. Probation periods ranged from 1 to 36 months (mean, 13.4 months), and time given to pay restitution ranged from 0 (forthwith) to 24 months (mean, 6.6 months). The compliance rate was 100 percent for those ordered to pay forthwith. Installment payments showed the poorest rate of full payment, but the highest rate of partial payment. Breach of probation charges were brought in only 70.4 percent of the 125 cases in which full restitution was not made; only 7.2 percent of unpaid restitution cases resulted in conviction and sentencing. Implications for improving restitution compliance are discussed. 36 references.