How to collect restitution from an inmate account

You are right that large restitution amounts are rarely paid in full, but you should be receiving small payments if an order is in place and being enforced.

Here is how it works and what you need to do:

How restitution is usually collected:

• A portion of the inmate’s prison wages and any money deposited into their account can be taken
• The Department of Corrections applies this based on a court order
• Payments are often very small, sometimes just a few dollars at a time

If you have not received anything, it usually means the collection order is not being enforced or processed correctly.

Steps to take:

1. Contact the Prosecutor (State’s Attorney)
Reach out to the office that handled the case and ask:

• If a restitution collection order was issued to the prison
• If enforcement has been initiated

They can push this forward if it has not been done.

2. Contact the Clerk of Court
Ask for:

• A copy of the restitution order
• Confirmation that it has been forwarded for enforcement

3. Victim Services Office
Most states have a victim services or victim compensation unit. They can:

• Track restitution payments
• Help enforce collection
• Guide you through the process

4. Department of Corrections (ASPC Lewis)
You can contact their inmate accounts or trust fund office and ask:

• Whether restitution deductions are active
• If not, what is needed to start them

Important to understand:

• Even if he works, prison wages are very low
• Payments may take time to start
• You may only receive small amounts periodically

Bottom line
You should be receiving something if everything is set up correctly. Start with the prosecutor’s office and clerk of court to make sure the restitution order is actively being enforced against his inmate account.