Crime victims are nearly alone in navigating a confusing and understaffed restitution system. District attorneys across Maine are as frustrated as crime victims with the fundamental reality of the restitution system in Maine: it’s broken.
Our newsroom’s investigation has found that the state system for compensating victims of non-violent crimes is overburdened, uncoordinated and promises what it can’t deliver. For example, in Cumberland County alone, convicted criminals were $2.6 million behind on restitution payments at the time of our investigation.
FEATURED STORY:
‘Fundamental reality’: State’s system for helping crime victims a failure
District attorneys from across the state are as frustrated as crime victims with the fundamental reality of the restitution system in Maine: it's broken.
All Stories:
‘We’re not getting anywhere’: A judge’s day enforcing victim restitution orders
On Aug. 20, three offenders who owe victims restitution came before District Court Judge Gregory Campbell in his Bangor courtroom. Their cases illustrate common issues the courts have in enforcing restitution agreements.
Chief judge: Restitution “system is imperfect and we know it”
Our investigation found Maine's system for compensating victims of non-violent crimes is overburdened, uncoordinated and promises what it can’t deliver.
Crime victims have little help getting their due from the system
In Maine, crime victims are nearly alone in navigating a confusing and understaffed restitution system.
‘Fundamental reality’: State’s system for helping crime victims a failure
District attorneys from across the state are as frustrated as crime victims with the fundamental reality of the restitution system in Maine: it's broken.
Veterans’ group victimized by $50,000 fraud — and then by justice system
Cumberland County District Attorney Stephanie Anderson said two thirds of the 1,181 restitution cases in her county are in default.