RESOURCES
Restitution
If you are the victim of a crime, you have the right to restitution for the losses you have suffered as the result of the crime. In a criminal case, victims should contact the victim/ witness paralegal at the District Attorney’s Office regarding their restitution claim. For more information regarding restitution visit restitution collection through the courts.
To receive restitution, be sure to maintain current contact information with the court system.
Court Collection
Individual Collection
Court Collection
Restitution is typically filed automatically by the State and may be awarded directly to the victim or to the Violent Crimes Compensation Board based on expenses paid on behalf of the victim. The criminal restitution can only be for actual monetary expenses or losses, not for pain and suffering (although that may be available in a civil lawsuit) [AS 12.55.045(a)]. The majority of restitution paid in Alaska is through the collection of Permanent Fund Dividends (PFDs) by convicted offenders.
Individual Collection
Individual Collection: You may opt-out of court collection and attempt to receive restitution on your own. This process is known as “execution” and allows you to pursue the defendant’s wages, bank accounts and other assets. There are a number of forms and requirements, as well as individual costs associated with this process. It is recommended that you speak with an attorney and/or educate yourself on all the requirements through the Judgement Creditor Booklet, before pursuing this method.