Victim Resources
What Losses Can Be Included in Crime Victim Restitution?
California strongly protects a victim's restitution rights, but recoverable losses and proof are fact-specific.
Updated September 23, 2026
Reviewed for publication by Mark A. Amador | Former California prosecutor | Partner, Wingert Grebing Brubaker & Walshok LLP
Economic loss
Restitution generally concerns qualifying economic losses caused by criminal conduct.
Documentation
Bills, receipts, wage records, repair estimates, funeral expenses, and other records may matter depending on the case.
Not civil damages
Criminal restitution and civil damages are separate remedies with different rules.
Legal reference: California Constitution article I, section 28; California DOJ victim-rights materials. Parole-specific pages also rely on current CDCR victim-services guidance. This page is general information, not legal advice.
General information only. Rights, procedures, deadlines, and available remedies can depend on the facts and the stage of the case.