Victim Restitution Information

When the court orders a defendant to pay victim restitution in a case, Sonoma County Probation may be designated to collect the restitution.  Probation Accounting sends statements to the defendant to make payments toward the balance owed.  Once payments are received, Probation Accounting is able to disburse funds to victims.  If there are multiple victims on a case, the payments received are disbursed on a prorated basis by amounts owed to victims. 

The process of collecting restitution may take an extended period of time, as payments may be made by the defendant in installments. Victims also have the option of pursuing this independently as a civil judgment. 

Payments made by the defendant will be disbursed based on the following criteria:

• Amounts totaling $50 or more will be disbursed within 30 days of receipt.
• Amounts totaling less than $50 will be disbursed within 180 days of receipt.

Sonoma County Probation is required to disburse restitution payments we receive regardless of the amount if it has been more than 180 days since receipt of the payment. Victims may choose to waive this right by contacting Probation Accounting.   

It is important that victims reach out to Probation Accounting with any changes to contact information by calling (707) 565-3810 or emailing us at ProbationAccounting@sonomacounty.gov.

Victim Resources

Sonoma County District Attorney – Victim Services Division https://da.sonomacounty.ca.gov/divisions/victim-services

California Victim Compensation Board - https://victims.ca.gov/

Victims’ Bill of Rights - https://oag.ca.gov/victimservices/content/bill_of_rights

If you have questions or need any assistance, contact us at:
Si tiene preguntas or necesita asistencia contcátenos:

ProbationAccounting@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-3810