AI-assisted research summary: The court may consider several factors when setting restitution, and must order minimum restitution amounts for certain convictions after February 1, 2009.
(a) In determining the manner, method, or amount of restitution to be ordered, the court may take into consideration all of the following: (1) The financial resources of the defendant and the victim and the burden that the manner or method of restitution will impose upon the victim or the defendant. (2) The ability of the defendant to pay restitution on an installment basis or on other conditions to be fixed by the court. (3) The anticipated rehabilitative effect on the defendant regarding the manner of restitution or the method of payment. (4) Any burden or hardship upon the victim as a direct or indirect result of the defendant’s criminal acts. (5) The mental, physical, and financial well-being of the victim. (b) When a defendant has been convicted of the following offenses after February 1, 2009, the court may consider the factors enumerated in subsection (a) and shall order restitution to be paid as follows: (1) When a defendant has been convicted of a capital offense under subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40, the court shall order restitution for an amount not less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each conviction under subsection (a) of Section 13A-5-40. (2) When a defendant has been convicted of rape in the first degree under Section 13A-6-61 and the person has one or more prior convictions under Section 13A-6-61, the court shall order restitution for an amount not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each conviction under Section 13A-6-61. (c) Nothing in this section shall limit or impair the right of a person injured by a defendant’s criminal activities to sue or recover damages from the defendant in a civil action. Evidence that the defendant has paid, or has been ordered to pay, restitution pursuant to this section may not be introduced in any civil action arising out of the facts or events which were the basis for the restitution. However, the court shall credit any restitution paid by the defendant to a victim against any judgment in favor of the victim in the civil action.