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S.B. 144

             1     

CRIMINAL RESTITUTION CHANGES

             2     
2001 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Sponsor: Terry R. Spencer

             5      This act modifies the Code of Criminal Procedure by creating the Crime Victims Restitution
             6      Act. The act defines terms and sets out procedures for collecting restitution from persons
             7      convicted of a crime and ordered by a court to pay restitution to their victims. The act
             8      requires input on the issue of restitution from law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and
             9      the Department of Corrections. In addition, the defendant is required to provide
             10      information to the court to help the court determine restitution. The act also provides a
             11      mechanism by which a restitution order can be enforced through a civil action and declares
             12      that it is nondischargeable in bankruptcy. Priority, enforcement, and collection of
             13      restitution is also addressed.
             14      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             15      AMENDS:
             16          77-18-1, as last amended by Chapters 279 and 287, Laws of Utah 1999
             17      ENACTS:
             18          77-38a-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             19          77-38a-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             20          77-38a-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             21          77-38a-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             22          77-38a-203, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             23          77-38a-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             24          77-38a-401, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             25          77-38a-402, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             26          77-38a-501, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             27          77-38a-502, Utah Code Annotated 1953


             28          77-38a-503, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             29          77-38a-504, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             30          77-38a-601, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             31          77-38a-602, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             33          Section 1. Section 77-18-1 is amended to read:
             34           77-18-1. Suspension of sentence -- Pleas held in abeyance -- Probation -- Supervision
             35      -- Presentence investigation -- Standards -- Confidentiality -- Terms and conditions --
             36      Restitution -- Termination, revocation, modification, or extension -- Hearings -- Electronic
             37      monitoring.
             38          (1) On a plea of guilty or no contest entered by a defendant in conjunction with a plea in
             39      abeyance agreement, the court may hold the plea in abeyance as provided in Title 77, Chapter 2a,
             40      Pleas in Abeyance, and under the terms of the plea in abeyance agreement.
             41          (2) (a) On a plea of guilty, guilty and mentally ill, no contest, or conviction of any crime
             42      or offense, the court may suspend the imposition or execution of sentence and place the defendant
             43      on probation. The court may place the defendant:
             44          (i) on probation under the supervision of the Department of Corrections except in cases
             45      of class C misdemeanors or infractions;
             46          (ii) on probation with an agency of local government or with a private organization; or
             47          (iii) on bench probation under the jurisdiction of the sentencing court.
             48          (b) (i) The legal custody of all probationers under the supervision of the department is with
             49      the department.
             50          (ii) The legal custody of all probationers under the jurisdiction of the sentencing court is
             51      vested as ordered by the court.
             52          (iii) The court has continuing jurisdiction over all probationers.
             53          (3) (a) The department shall establish supervision and presentence investigation standards
             54      for all individuals referred to the department. These standards shall be based on:
             55          (i) the type of offense;
             56          (ii) the demand for services;
             57          (iii) the availability of agency resources;
             58          (iv) the public safety; and


             59          (v) other criteria established by the department to determine what level of services shall
             60      be provided.
             61          (b) Proposed supervision and investigation standards shall be submitted to the Judicial
             62      Council and the Board of Pardons and Parole on an annual basis for review and comment prior to
             63      adoption by the department.
             64          (c) The Judicial Council and the department shall establish procedures to implement the
             65      supervision and investigation standards.
             66          (d) The Judicial Council and the department shall annually consider modifications to the
             67      standards based upon criteria in Subsection (3)(a) and other criteria as they consider appropriate.
             68          (e) The Judicial Council and the department shall annually prepare an impact report and
             69      submit it to the appropriate legislative appropriations subcommittee.
             70          (4) Notwithstanding other provisions of law, the department is not required to supervise
             71      the probation of persons convicted of class B or C misdemeanors or infractions or to conduct
             72      presentence investigation reports on class C misdemeanors or infractions. However, the
             73      department may supervise the probation of class B misdemeanants in accordance with department
             74      standards.
             75          (5) (a) Prior to the imposition of any sentence, the court may, with the concurrence of the
             76      defendant, continue the date for the imposition of sentence for a reasonable period of time for the
             77      purpose of obtaining a presentence investigation report from the department or information from
             78      other sources about the defendant.
             79          (b) The presentence investigation report shall include a victim impact statement describing
             80      the effect of the crime on the victim and the victim's family. The victim impact statement shall:
             81          (i) identify [the victim] all victims of the offense;
             82          (ii) include a specific statement of the recommended amount of complete restitution as
             83      defined in Subsection 76-3-201 (4), accompanied by a recommendation from the department
             84      regarding the payment of court-ordered restitution as defined in Subsection 76-3-201 (4) by the
             85      defendant;
             86          (iii) identify any physical injury suffered by the victim as a result of the offense along with
             87      its seriousness and permanence;
             88          (iv) describe any change in the victim's personal welfare or familial relationships as a
             89      result of the offense;


             90          (v) identify any request for psychological services initiated by the victim or the victim's
             91      family as a result of the offense; and
             92          (vi) contain any other information related to the impact of the offense upon the victim or
             93      the victim's family and any information required by Section 77-38a-203 that is relevant to the trial
             94      court's sentencing determination.
             95          (c) The presentence investigation report shall include a specific statement of pecuniary
             96      damages, accompanied by a recommendation from the department regarding the payment of
             97      restitution with interest by the defendant in accordance with Subsection 76-3-201 (4).
             98          (d) The contents of the presentence investigation report, including any diagnostic
             99      evaluation report ordered by the court under Section 76-3-404 , are protected and are not available
             100      except by court order for purposes of sentencing as provided by rule of the Judicial Council or for
             101      use by the department.
             102          (6) (a) The department shall provide the presentence investigation report to the defendant's
             103      attorney, or the defendant if not represented by counsel, the prosecutor, and the court for review,
             104      three working days prior to sentencing. Any alleged inaccuracies in the presentence investigation
             105      report, which have not been resolved by the parties and the department prior to sentencing, shall
             106      be brought to the attention of the sentencing judge, and the judge may grant an additional ten
             107      working days to resolve the alleged inaccuracies of the report with the department. If after ten
             108      working days the inaccuracies cannot be resolved, the court shall make a determination of
             109      relevance and accuracy on the record.
             110          (b) If a party fails to challenge the accuracy of the presentence investigation report at the
             111      time of sentencing, that matter shall be considered to be waived.
             112          (7) At the time of sentence, the court shall receive any testimony, evidence, or information
             113      the defendant or the prosecuting attorney desires to present concerning the appropriate sentence.
             114      This testimony, evidence, or information shall be presented in open court on record and in the
             115      presence of the defendant.
             116          (8) While on probation, and as a condition of probation, the court may require that the
             117      defendant:
             118          (a) perform any or all of the following:
             119          (i) pay, in one or several sums, any fine imposed at the time of being placed on probation;
             120          (ii) pay amounts required under Title 77, Chapter 32a, Defense Costs;


             121          (iii) provide for the support of others for whose support he is legally liable;
             122          (iv) participate in available treatment programs;
             123          (v) serve a period of time, not to exceed one year, in a county jail designated by the
             124      department, after considering any recommendation by the court as to which jail the court finds
             125      most appropriate;
             126          (vi) serve a term of home confinement, which may include the use of electronic
             127      monitoring;
             128          (vii) participate in compensatory service restitution programs, including the compensatory
             129      service program provided in Section 78-11-20.7 ;
             130          (viii) pay for the costs of investigation, probation, and treatment services;
             131          (ix) make restitution or reparation to the victim or victims with interest in accordance with
             132      Subsection 76-3-201 (4); and
             133          (x) comply with other terms and conditions the court considers appropriate; and
             134          (b) if convicted on or after May 5, 1997:
             135          (i) complete high school classwork and obtain a high school graduation diploma, a GED
             136      certificate, or a vocational certificate at the defendant's own expense if the defendant has not
             137      received the diploma, GED certificate, or vocational certificate prior to being placed on probation;
             138      or
             139          (ii) provide documentation of the inability to obtain one of the items listed in Subsection
             140      (8)(b)(i) because of:
             141          (A) a diagnosed learning disability; or
             142          (B) other justified cause.
             143          (9) The department shall collect and disburse the account receivable as defined by Section
             144      76-3-201.1 , with interest and any other costs assessed under Section 64-13-21 during:
             145          (a) the parole period and any extension of that period in accordance with Subsection
             146      77-27-6 (4); and
             147          (b) the probation period in cases for which the court orders supervised probation and any
             148      extension of that period by the department in accordance with Subsection 77-18-1 (10).
             149          (10) (a) (i) Probation may be terminated at any time at the discretion of the court or upon
             150      completion without violation of 36 months probation in felony or class A misdemeanor cases, or
             151      12 months in cases of class B or C misdemeanors or infractions.


             152          (ii) (A) If, upon expiration or termination of the probation period under Subsection
             153      (10)(a)(i), there remains an unpaid balance upon the account receivable as defined in Section
             154      76-3-201.1 , the court may retain jurisdiction of the case and continue the defendant on bench
             155      probation for the limited purpose of enforcing the payment of the account receivable.
             156          (B) In accordance with Section 77-18-6 , the court shall record in the registry of civil
             157      judgments any unpaid balance not already recorded and immediately transfer responsibility to
             158      collect the account to the Office of State Debt Collection.
             159          (iii) Upon motion of the Office of State Debt Collection, prosecutor, victim, or upon its
             160      own motion, the court may require the defendant to show cause why his failure to pay should not
             161      be treated as contempt of court.
             162          (b) (i) The department shall notify the sentencing court, the Office of State Debt
             163      Collection, and the prosecuting attorney in writing in advance in all cases when termination of
             164      supervised probation will occur by law.
             165          (ii) The notification shall include a probation progress report and complete report of details
             166      on outstanding accounts receivable.
             167          (11) (a) (i) Any time served by a probationer outside of confinement after having been
             168      charged with a probation violation and prior to a hearing to revoke probation does not constitute
             169      service of time toward the total probation term unless the probationer is exonerated at a hearing
             170      to revoke the probation.
             171          (ii) Any time served in confinement awaiting a hearing or decision concerning revocation
             172      of probation does not constitute service of time toward the total probation term unless the
             173      probationer is exonerated at the hearing.
             174          (b) The running of the probation period is tolled upon the filing of a violation report with
             175      the court alleging a violation of the terms and conditions of probation or upon the issuance of an
             176      order to show cause or warrant by the court.
             177          (12) (a) (i) Probation may not be modified or extended except upon waiver of a hearing
             178      by the probationer or upon a hearing and a finding in court that the probationer has violated the
             179      conditions of probation.
             180          (ii) Probation may not be revoked except upon a hearing in court and a finding that the
             181      conditions of probation have been violated.
             182          (b) (i) Upon the filing of an affidavit alleging with particularity facts asserted to constitute


             183      violation of the conditions of probation, the court that authorized probation shall determine if the
             184      affidavit establishes probable cause to believe that revocation, modification, or extension of
             185      probation is justified.
             186          (ii) If the court determines there is probable cause, it shall cause to be served on the
             187      defendant a warrant for his arrest or a copy of the affidavit and an order to show cause why his
             188      probation should not be revoked, modified, or extended.
             189          (c) (i) The order to show cause shall specify a time and place for the hearing and shall be
             190      served upon the defendant at least five days prior to the hearing.
             191          (ii) The defendant shall show good cause for a continuance.
             192          (iii) The order to show cause shall inform the defendant of a right to be represented by
             193      counsel at the hearing and to have counsel appointed for him if he is indigent.
             194          (iv) The order shall also inform the defendant of a right to present evidence.
             195          (d) (i) At the hearing, the defendant shall admit or deny the allegations of the affidavit.
             196          (ii) If the defendant denies the allegations of the affidavit, the prosecuting attorney shall
             197      present evidence on the allegations.
             198          (iii) The persons who have given adverse information on which the allegations are based
             199      shall be presented as witnesses subject to questioning by the defendant unless the court for good
             200      cause otherwise orders.
             201          (iv) The defendant may call witnesses, appear and speak in his own behalf, and present
             202      evidence.
             203          (e) (i) After the hearing the court shall make findings of fact.
             204          (ii) Upon a finding that the defendant violated the conditions of probation, the court may
             205      order the probation revoked, modified, continued, or that the entire probation term commence
             206      anew.
             207          (iii) If probation is revoked, the defendant shall be sentenced or the sentence previously
             208      imposed shall be executed.
             209          (13) Restitution imposed under this chapter and interest accruing in accordance with
             210      Subsection 76-3-201 (4) is considered a debt for willful and malicious injury for purposes of
             211      exceptions listed to discharge in bankruptcy as provided in Title 11 U.S.C.A. Sec. 523, 1985.
             212          (14) The court may order the defendant to commit himself to the custody of the Division
             213      of Mental Health for treatment at the Utah State Hospital as a condition of probation or stay of


             214      sentence, only after the superintendent of the Utah State Hospital or his designee has certified to
             215      the court that:
             216          (a) the defendant is appropriate for and can benefit from treatment at the state hospital;
             217          (b) treatment space at the hospital is available for the defendant; and
             218          (c) persons described in Subsection 62A-12-209 (2)(g) are receiving priority for treatment
             219      over the defendants described in this Subsection (14).
             220          (15) Presentence investigation reports, including presentence diagnostic evaluations, are
             221      classified protected in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 2, Government Records Access and
             222      Management Act. Notwithstanding Sections 63-2-403 and 63-2-404 , the State Records Committee
             223      may not order the disclosure of a presentence investigation report. Except for disclosure at the
             224      time of sentencing pursuant to this section, the department may disclose the presentence
             225      investigation only when:
             226          (a) ordered by the court pursuant to Subsection 63-2-202 (7);
             227          (b) requested by a law enforcement agency or other agency approved by the department
             228      for purposes of supervision, confinement, and treatment of the offender;
             229          (c) requested by the Board of Pardons and Parole;
             230          (d) requested by the subject of the presentence investigation report or the subject's
             231      authorized representative; or
             232          (e) requested by the victim of the crime discussed in the presentence investigation report
             233      or the victim's authorized representative, provided that the disclosure to the victim shall include
             234      only information relating to statements or materials provided by the victim, to the circumstances
             235      of the crime including statements by the defendant, or to the impact of the crime on the victim or
             236      the victim's household.
             237          (16) (a) The court shall consider home confinement as a condition of probation under the
             238      supervision of the department, except as provided in Sections 76-3-406 and 76-5-406.5 .
             239          (b) The department shall establish procedures and standards for home confinement,
             240      including electronic monitoring, for all individuals referred to the department in accordance with
             241      Subsection (17).
             242          (17) (a) If the court places the defendant on probation under this section, it may order the
             243      defendant to participate in home confinement through the use of electronic monitoring as described
             244      in this section until further order of the court.


             245          (b) The electronic monitoring shall alert the department and the appropriate law
             246      enforcement unit of the defendant's whereabouts.
             247          (c) The electronic monitoring device shall be used under conditions which require:
             248          (i) the defendant to wear an electronic monitoring device at all times; and
             249          (ii) that a device be placed in the home of the defendant, so that the defendant's compliance
             250      with the court's order may be monitored.
             251          (d) If a court orders a defendant to participate in home confinement through electronic
             252      monitoring as a condition of probation under this section, it shall:
             253          (i) place the defendant on probation under the supervision of the Department of
             254      Corrections;
             255          (ii) order the department to place an electronic monitoring device on the defendant and
             256      install electronic monitoring equipment in the residence of the defendant; and
             257          (iii) order the defendant to pay the costs associated with home confinement to the
             258      department or the program provider.
             259          (e) The department shall pay the costs of home confinement through electronic monitoring
             260      only for those persons who have been determined to be indigent by the court.
             261          (f) The department may provide the electronic monitoring described in this section either
             262      directly or by contract with a private provider.
             263          Section 2. Section 77-38a-101 is enacted to read:
             264     
CHAPTER 38a. CRIME VICTIMS RESTITUTION ACT

             265     
Part 1. General Provisions

             266          77-38a-101. Title.
             267          This chapter is known as the "Crime Victims Restitution Act."
             268          Section 3. Section 77-38a-102 is enacted to read:
             269          77-38a-102. Definitions.
             270          As used in this chapter:
             271          (1) "Conviction" includes a:
             272          (a) judgment of guilt;
             273          (b) plea of guilty; or
             274          (c) plea of no contest.
             275          (2) "Criminal activities" means any offense of which the defendant is convicted or any


             276      other criminal conduct for which the defendant admits responsibility to the sentencing court with
             277      or without an admission of committing the criminal conduct.
             278          (3) "Department" means the Department of Corrections.
             279          (4) "Diversion" means suspending criminal proceedings prior to conviction on the
             280      condition that a defendant agrees to participate in a rehabilitation program, make restitution to the
             281      victim, or fulfill some other condition.
             282          (5) "Pecuniary damages" means all special damages, but not general damages, which a
             283      person could recover against the defendant in a civil action arising out of the facts or events
             284      constituting the defendant's criminal activities and includes the money equivalent of property
             285      taken, destroyed, broken, or otherwise harmed, and losses including earnings and medical
             286      expenses.
             287          (6) "Plea agreement" means an agreement entered between the prosecution and defendant
             288      setting forth the special terms and conditions and criminal charges upon which the defendant will
             289      enter a plea of guilty or no contest.
             290          (7) "Plea in abeyance" means an order by a court, upon motion of the prosecution and the
             291      defendant, accepting a plea of guilty or of no contest from the defendant but not, at that time,
             292      entering judgment of conviction against him nor imposing sentence upon him on condition that
             293      he comply with specific conditions as set forth in a plea in abeyance agreement.
             294          (8) "Plea in abeyance agreement" means an agreement entered into between the
             295      prosecution and the defendant setting forth the specific terms and conditions upon which,
             296      following acceptance of the agreement by the court, a plea may be held in abeyance.
             297          (9) "Plea disposition" means an agreement entered into between the prosecution and
             298      defendant including diversion, plea agreement, plea in abeyance agreement, or any agreement by
             299      which the defendant may enter a plea in any other jurisdiction or where charges are dismissed
             300      without a plea.
             301          (10) "Restitution" means full, partial, or nominal payment for pecuniary damages to a
             302      victim, including the accrual of interest from the time of sentencing, insured damages, and
             303      payment for expenses to a governmental entity for extradition or transportation and as further
             304      defined by law.
             305          (11) "Screening" means the process used by a prosecuting attorney to terminate
             306      investigative action, proceed with prosecution, move to dismiss a prosecution that has been


             307      commenced, or cause a prosecution to be diverted.
             308          (12) "Victim" means any person whom the court determines has suffered pecuniary
             309      damages as a result of the defendant's criminal activities. "Victim" may not include a codefendant
             310      or accomplice.
             311          Section 4. Section 77-38a-201 is enacted to read:
             312     
Part 2. Restitution Determination

             313          77-38a-201. Restitution determination -- Law enforcement duties and responsibilities.
             314          Any law enforcement agency conducting an investigation for criminal conduct which
             315      would constitute a felony or misdemeanor shall provide in the investigative reports whether a
             316      claim for restitution exists, the basis for the claim, and the estimated or actual amount of the claim.
             317          Section 5. Section 77-38a-202 is enacted to read:
             318          77-38a-202. Restitution determination -- Prosecution duties and responsibilities.
             319          (1) At the time of entry of a conviction or entry of any plea disposition, the attorney
             320      general, county attorney, or district attorney shall provide to the district court:
             321          (a) the names and addresses of all victims, including third parties, asserting claims for
             322      restitution;
             323          (b) the actual or estimated amount of restitution determined at that time; and
             324          (c) whether or not the defendant has agreed to pay the restitution specified as part of the
             325      plea disposition.
             326          (2) In computing actual or estimated restitution, the attorney general, county attorney, or
             327      district attorney shall:
             328          (a) use the criteria set forth in Section 77-38a-402 for establishing restitution amounts; and
             329          (b) in cases involving multiple victims, incorporate into any conviction or plea disposition
             330      all claims for restitution arising out of the investigation for which the defendant is charged.
             331          (3) If charges are not to be prosecuted as part of a plea disposition, restitution claims from
             332      victims of those crimes shall also be provided to the court.
             333          Section 6. Section 77-38a-203 is enacted to read:
             334          77-38a-203. Restitution determination -- Department of Corrections -- Presentence
             335      investigation.
             336          (1) (a) The Department of Corrections shall prepare a presentence investigation report in
             337      accordance with Subsection 77-18-1 (5). The prosecutor and law enforcement agency involved


             338      shall provide all available victim information to the department upon request. The victim impact
             339      statement shall:
             340          (i) identify all victims of the offense;
             341          (ii) itemize any economic loss suffered by the victim as a result of the offense;
             342          (iii) include for each identifiable victim a specific statement of the recommended amount
             343      of complete restitution as defined in Section 77-38a-402 , accompanied by a recommendation from
             344      the department regarding the payment by the defendant of court-ordered restitution with interest
             345      as defined in Section 77-38a-402 ;
             346          (iv) identify any physical, mental, or emotional injuries suffered by the victim as a result
             347      of the offense, and the seriousness and permanence;
             348          (v) describe any change in the victim's personal welfare or familial relationships as a result
             349      of the offense;
             350          (vi) identify any request for mental health services initiated by the victim or the victim's
             351      family as a result of the offense; and
             352          (vii) contain any other information related to the impact of the offense upon the victim or
             353      the victim's family that the court requires.
             354          (b) The crime victim shall be responsible to provide to the department upon request all
             355      invoices, bills, receipts, and other evidence of injury, loss of earnings, and out-of-pocket loss. The
             356      crime victim shall also provide upon request:
             357          (i) all documentation and evidence of compensation or reimbursement from insurance
             358      companies or agencies of the state, any other state, or federal government received as a direct result
             359      of the crime for injury, loss, earnings, or out-of-pocket loss; and
             360          (ii) proof of identification, including date of birth, Social Security number, drivers license
             361      number, next of kin, and home and work address and telephone numbers.
             362          (c) The inability, failure, or refusal of the crime victim to provide all or part of the
             363      requested information shall result in the court determining restitution based on the best information
             364      available.
             365          (2) (a) The court shall order the defendant as part of the presentence investigation to
             366      submit to the department any information determined necessary to be disclosed for the purpose of
             367      ascertaining the restitution.
             368          (b) The willful failure or refusal of the defendant to provide all or part of the requisite


             369      information shall constitute a waiver of any grounds to appeal or seek future amendment or
             370      alteration of the restitution order predicated on the undisclosed information.
             371          (c) If the defendant objects to the imposition, amount, or distribution of the restitution
             372      recommended in the presentence investigation, or if the department is unable to determine the
             373      restitution for any reason, the court shall set a hearing date to resolve the matter.
             374          (d) If any party fails to challenge the accuracy of the presentence investigation report at
             375      the time of sentencing, that matter shall be considered to be waived.
             376          Section 7. Section 77-38a-301 is enacted to read:
             377     
Part 3. Pretrial Preservation of Assets

             378          77-38a-301. Pretrial preservation of assets.
             379          (1) Upon application of the prosecutor, the court may enter restraining orders or
             380      injunctions, require the execution of satisfactory performance bonds, or take any other action to
             381      preserve the availability of property which may be necessary to satisfy an anticipated restitution
             382      order issued under this chapter:
             383          (a) upon the filing of a criminal complaint, an information, or indictment charging a
             384      violation or a petition alleging delinquency for which there is a substantial likelihood that
             385      restitution may be ordered and alleging that the property with respect to which the order is sought
             386      may, in the event of conviction, be necessary to satisfy an order of restitution under this chapter;
             387      or
             388          (b) prior to the filing of the indictment or information, if, after notice to persons appearing
             389      to have an interest in the property and after affording them an opportunity for a hearing, the court
             390      determines that:
             391          (i) there is a substantial likelihood that the state will prevail on the underlying criminal
             392      charges or allegation of delinquency and that failure to enter the order will result in the property
             393      being sold, distributed, exhibited, destroyed, or removed from the jurisdiction of the court, or
             394      otherwise made unavailable for restitution; and
             395          (ii) the need to preserve the availability of the property or prevent its sale, distribution,
             396      exhibition, destruction, or removal through the entry of the requested order outweighs the hardship
             397      on any party against whom the order is to be entered;
             398          (c) an order entered under Subsection (1)(a) is effective for no more than 90 days, unless
             399      extended by the court for good cause shown or unless an indictment or information as described


             400      in Subsection (1)(b)(i) has been filed.
             401          (2) A temporary restraining order may be entered upon application of the prosecutor
             402      without notice or opportunity for a hearing, when an information or indictment has not yet been
             403      filed with respect to the property, if the prosecutor demonstrates that there is a substantial
             404      likelihood that the property with respect to which the order is sought appears to be necessary to
             405      satisfy an anticipated restitution order under this chapter and that provision of notice would
             406      jeopardize the availability of the property to satisfy any restitution order or judgment.
             407          (3) The temporary order expires not more than ten days after it is entered unless extended
             408      for good cause shown or unless the party against whom it is entered consents to an extension. A
             409      hearing concerning an order entered under this section shall be held as soon as possible, and prior
             410      to the expiration of the temporary order.
             411          (4) The court is not bound by the Utah Rules of Evidence regarding evidence it may
             412      receive and consider at any hearing held under this section.
             413          Section 8. Section 77-38a-401 is enacted to read:
             414     
Part 4. Restitution Requirements

             415          77-38a-401. Restitution -- Convicted defendant may be required to pay.
             416          In a criminal action, the court may require a convicted defendant to make restitution.
             417          Section 9. Section 77-38a-402 is enacted to read:
             418          77-38a-402. Restitution criteria.
             419          (1) When a defendant is convicted of criminal activity that has resulted in pecuniary
             420      damages, in addition to any other sentence it may impose, the court shall order that the defendant
             421      make restitution to victims of crime as provided in this Subsection (1), or for conduct for which
             422      the defendant has agreed to make restitution as part of a plea disposition. For purposes of
             423      restitution, a victim has the meaning as defined in Subsection 77-38a-102 (12) and in determining
             424      whether restitution is appropriate, the court shall follow the criteria and procedures as provided
             425      in Subsections (2) through (5).
             426          (2) In determining restitution, the court shall determine complete restitution and
             427      court-ordered restitution.
             428          (a) "Complete restitution" means restitution necessary to compensate a victim for all losses
             429      caused by the defendant.
             430          (b) "Court-ordered restitution" means the restitution the court having criminal jurisdiction


             431      orders the defendant to pay as a part of the criminal sentence at the time of sentencing.
             432          (c) Complete restitution and court-ordered restitution shall be determined as provided in
             433      Subsection (5).
             434          (3) If the court determines that restitution is appropriate or inappropriate under this part,
             435      the court shall make the reasons for the decision part of the court record.
             436          (4) If the defendant objects to the imposition, amount, or distribution of the restitution, the
             437      court shall at the time of sentencing allow the defendant a full hearing on the issue.
             438          (5) (a) For the purpose of determining restitution for an offense, the offense shall include
             439      any criminal conduct admitted by the defendant to the sentencing court or to which the defendant
             440      agrees to pay restitution. A victim of an offense that involves as an element a scheme, a
             441      conspiracy, or a pattern of criminal activity, includes any person directly harmed by the defendant's
             442      criminal conduct in the course of the scheme, conspiracy, or pattern.
             443          (b) In determining the monetary sum and other conditions for complete restitution, the
             444      court shall consider all relevant facts, including:
             445          (i) the cost of the damage or loss if the offense resulted in damage to or loss or destruction
             446      of property of a victim of the offense;
             447          (ii) the cost of necessary medical and related professional services and devices relating to
             448      physical or mental health care, including nonmedical care and treatment rendered in accordance
             449      with a method of healing recognized by the law of the place of treatment;
             450          (iii) the cost of necessary physical and occupational therapy and rehabilitation;
             451          (iv) the income lost by the victim as a result of the offense if the offense resulted in bodily
             452      injury to a victim; and
             453          (v) the cost of necessary funeral and related services if the offense resulted in the death of
             454      a victim.
             455          (c) In determining the monetary sum and other conditions for court-ordered restitution, the
             456      court shall consider the factors listed in Subsections (5)(a) and (b) and:
             457          (i) the financial resources of the defendant and the burden that payment of restitution will
             458      impose, with regard to the other obligations of the defendant;
             459          (ii) the ability of the defendant to pay restitution on an installment basis or on other
             460      conditions to be fixed by the court;
             461          (iii) the rehabilitative effect on the defendant of the payment of restitution and the method


             462      of payment; and
             463          (iv) other circumstances which the court determines may make restitution inappropriate.
             464          (d) The court may decline to make an order or may defer entering an order of restitution
             465      if the court determines that the complication and prolongation of the sentencing process, as a result
             466      of considering an order of restitution under this Subsection (5)(d), substantially outweighs the need
             467      to provide restitution to the victim.
             468          Section 10. Section 77-38a-501 is enacted to read:
             469     
Part 5. Restitution Judgments

             470          77-38a-501. Entry of judgment -- Interest -- Civil actions -- Lien.
             471          (1) Upon the court determining that a defendant owes restitution, the clerk of the court
             472      shall enter an order of complete restitution as defined in Section 77-38a-402 on the civil judgment
             473      docket and provide notice of the order to the parties.
             474          (2) The order shall be considered a legal judgment, enforceable under the Utah Rules of
             475      Civil Procedure. In addition, the Department of Corrections may, on behalf of the person in whose
             476      favor the restitution order is entered, enforce the restitution order as judgment creditor under the
             477      Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             478          (3) If the defendant fails to obey a court order for payment of restitution and the victim or
             479      department elects to pursue collection of the order by civil process, the victim shall be entitled to
             480      recover reasonable attorney's fees.
             481          (4) A judgment ordering restitution constitutes a lien when recorded in a judgment docket
             482      and shall be collectable in any manner provided by law. Interest shall accrue on the amount
             483      ordered from the time of sentencing.
             484          (5) The department shall make rules permitting the restitution payments to be credited to
             485      principal first and the remainder of payments credited to interest in accordance with Title 63,
             486      Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             487          (6) In any civil action brought by a victim to enforce the judgment, the defendant shall be
             488      entitled to offset any amounts that have been paid as part of court-ordered restitution to the victim.
             489          Section 11. Section 77-38a-502 is enacted to read:
             490          77-38a-502. Nondischargeability in bankruptcy.
             491          Restitution imposed under this chapter and interest accruing in accordance with Subsection
             492      77-38a-501 (4) is considered a debt and may not be discharged in bankruptcy.


             493          Section 12. Section 77-38a-503 is enacted to read:
             494          77-38a-503. Civil action by victim for damages.
             495          (1) Provisions in this part concerning restitution do not limit or impair the right of a person
             496      injured by a defendant's criminal activities to sue and recover damages from the defendant in a
             497      civil action. Evidence that the defendant has paid or been ordered to pay restitution under this part
             498      may not be introduced in any civil action arising out of the facts or events which were the basis
             499      for the restitution. However, the court shall credit any restitution paid by the defendant to a victim
             500      against any judgment in favor of the victim in the civil action.
             501          (2) If conviction in a criminal trial necessarily decides the issue of a defendant's liability
             502      for pecuniary damages of a victim, that issue is conclusively determined as to the defendant if it
             503      is involved in a subsequent civil action.
             504          Section 13. Section 77-38a-504 is enacted to read:
             505          77-38a-504. Priority.
             506          (1) If restitution to more than one person, agency, or entity is set at the same time, the
             507      department shall establish the following priorities of payment:
             508          (a) the crime victim;
             509          (b) the Office of Crime Victim Reparations;
             510          (c) any other government agency which has provided reimbursement to the victim as a
             511      result of the offender's criminal conduct; and
             512          (d) any insurance company which has provided reimbursement to the victim as a result of
             513      the offender's criminal conduct.
             514          (2) All money collected for court-ordered obligations from offenders by the department
             515      will be applied first to victim restitution, absent the $30 per month required to be collected by the
             516      department under Section 64-13-21 .
             517          (3) Notwithstanding any other statutory provision or rule of procedure, any lien obtained
             518      under Subsection 77-38a-501 (1) shall maintain its priority indefinitely with no further action by
             519      the victim or the victim's heirs.
             520          Section 14. Section 77-38a-601 is enacted to read:
             521     
Part 6. Enforcement and Collection

             522          77-38a-601. Collection, default, and sanctions.
             523          When a defendant defaults in the payment of a judgment for restitution or any installment


             524      ordered, the court, on motion of the prosecutor, parole or probation agent, victim, or on its own
             525      motion may impose sanctions against the defendant as provided in Subsection 76-3-201 (1).
             526          Section 15. Section 77-38a-602 is enacted to read:
             527          77-38a-602. Collection from inmate offenders.
             528          In addition to the remedies provided in Section 77-38a-601 , the department upon written
             529      request of the prosecutor, victim, or parole or probation agent, shall collect restitution from
             530      offender funds held by the department as provided in Section 64-13-23 .




Legislative Review Note
    as of 1-12-01 4:08 PM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


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