In re R.S., 847 A.2d 685 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2004)

Cases | In re R.S., 847 A.2d 685 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2004) | 2018

The appellant, a juvenile, was adjudicated delinquent, and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $100 to the Allegheny County Police Department. The juvenile appealed, arguing that government agencies are statutorily excluded from receiving restitution. The Superior Court of Pennsylvania affirmed the order of disposition, noting that juvenile courts enjoy a broad measure of discretion when deciding whether to impose restitution as part of the overall goal of apportioning responsibility and accountability, subject to a child’s ability to pay. The court concluded that the order of restitution, intended to repay the county for costs it incurred as a consequence of the juvenile’s criminal behavior, sent a message to the juvenile that he would be held accountable for his unlawful behavior.