County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2012

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Crime Victims Program: Violators to pay higher penalties

AB 898 - Chapter 358 - Penal Code §1202.4

Effective January 1, 2012

Summary: Increases the minimum restitution fine incrementally over a three-year period from $200 to $300 for a felony conviction and from $100 to $150 for a misdemeanor conviction to preserve the California Victim Compensation Program.

Background: Updates minimum restitution fines for the first time in nearly two decades. The California Victim Compensation Program is running out of money and has had to cut disbursements in an attempt to prevent insolvency. That program is financed by restitution fines.

The New Law: Increase to the minimum restitution fines over a three-year period:

• For felonies:
• Starting on January 1, 2012--fee should not be less than $240;
• Starting on January 1, 2013--fee should not be less than $280;
• Starting on January 1, 2014--fee should not be less than $300.
• For misdemeanors:
• Starting on January 1, 2012--fee should not be more than $120;
• Starting on January 1, 2013--fee should not be more than $140;
• Starting on January 1, 2014--fee should not be more than $150.

If these fine increases are not enough to cover all the costs of the program, victim restitution is the first priority. The order of priority for other charges is state surcharge, various and other assessments, state/county/city reimbursements, and special revenue items.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
Website: dca.lacounty.gov