What is the test for abuse of restitution under the Victim and Witness Protection Act?

MultiRegion, United States of America

The following excerpt is from U.S. v. Barnes, 9 F.3d 1553 (9th Cir. 1993):

We review for abuse of discretion an order of restitution that falls within the statutory limits of the Victim and Witness Protection Act of 1982 (VWPA). United States v. Mills, 991 F.2d 609, 611 (9th Cir.1993).

Under the VWPA, the district court has the authority to impose restitution but must first consider the financial resources, financial needs, and earning ability of the defendant. 18 U.S.C. 3664(a). The court is not required to make factual findings on the defendant's financial condition before imposing restitution. United States v. Cannizzaro, 871 F.2d 809, 810 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 895 (1989). Nonetheless, the record must reflect that the district court had at its disposal information bearing on defendant's ability to pay. Id.; accord Mills, 991 F.2d at 609 ("There must also be some indication that the judge gave thought to the relevant information."). In addition, the amount of restitution must be based on "some evidence" that the defendant will be able to pay the amount when required to do so. United States v. Ramilo, 986 F.2d 333, 335 (9th Cir.1993). Although indigency does not preclude imposition of restitution, a defendant who has made a good faith effort at payment but is unable to pay the full amount by the conclusion of his sentence may petition the court for an extension of time or for a remittitur. United States v. Jackson, 982 F.2d 1279, 1284-85 (9th Cir.1992); accord United States v. Smith, 944 F.2d 618, 624 (9th Cir.1991) (not determinative that it will be very difficult for defendant to pay full amount within five years of his release), cert. denied, 112 S.Ct. 1515 (1992).

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