Civil Restitution

My wife took $100 from were she worked a few months ago. The next day she felt guilty and returned. She was fired but she wasn't charged with anything. I just recived a letter from the company that says we owe $400 in civil restitution. If the money was returned how can there be damages? Also this looks like smoke and mirrors to me, should I find a lawyer? I live in Utah.

Yes, find a lawyer. Restitution is a part of a criminal sentence, intended to make the victim whole. Washington limits restitution to twice the actual damages proved at the sentencing hearing. Here, the damages are small -- the only thing they could claim is the "expense" of having their attorney review the facts. Since the money was already returned, the expense should have been low.

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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws. [email protected]

[This message has been edited by Tracey (edited October 10, 2000).]