Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Restitution
As a victim of a crime, you are entitled to some form of compensation for your losses or damages as a direct result of a criminal act. Listed below are ways you may be able to recover your losses.
Once criminal charges are filed, you will be provided with a restitution form by the District Attorney's Office. At your request, a Victim/Witness Coordinator will be available to assist you in completing this form. To request assistance, call us at 610-478-6000 or e-mail us.
Only expenses incurred as a direct result of the crime are considered for restitution.
Expenses Covered
- Medical bills
- Counseling fees
- Property damage
- Fair value of stolen items
Restitution in the Criminal Justice System
- Court decides and orders the restitution at the time of sentencing
- Enforcement of restitution payments is handled by the Adult Probation Office
- Collection and distribution of monies is handled by the Clerk of Courts Office
- To monitor payments, log onto public docket sheet.
Note: Indirect expenses may be pursued through civil litigation.
Expenses Not Covered
- Lost wages
- Gas mileage for hearings
- Car rentals
- Money for "pain and suffering"
Restitution in the Juvenile Justice System
- Court decides and orders the restitution at the time of the disposition
- Enforcement of restitution payments is handled by the Juvenile Probation Office
- Collection is handled by the Juvenile Probation Officer
- Distribution of monies is handled by the Clerk of Courts Office
Note: Indirect expenses may be pursued through civil litigation.
VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (VCAP)
Eligibility
To determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements, contact one of our Victim/Witness Coordinators at 610-478-6000, call VCAP directly at 1-800-233-2339 or click here.