What can a court order as reasonable restitution based on?

A court can order reasonable restitution based on the value of items or services lost. This is typically grounded in the principle of compensating the victim for their losses that directly resulted from the offender’s actions. Restitution aims to restore the victim to their position prior to the crime, which is commonly assessed by the monetary value of the lost property or services provided.

Determining restitution often requires an evaluation of the actual damages incurred by the victim, thus emphasizing the importance of an accurate assessment of these losses. The court looks to established values, such as receipts, appraisals, or fair market value, to quantify the restitution owed, making this the most relevant and objective basis.

In contrast, other factors, such as the severity of the crime, the reputation of the offender, and the number of victims involved, may influence the overall outcome of a case or sentencing but do not serve as direct criteria for calculating restitution. They may reflect the seriousness of the offender's actions or the impact on the community but do not address the specific financial reparation owed to the victim.