By C1 Staff
DENVER, Colo. — A new audit says that Colorado’s judicial and penal systems could do a much better job of collecting and distributing restitution money from those sent to prison or parole.
According to the Denver Post, the audit also stated that some court system staff were unaware of laws prescribing the order in which money should be distributed to multiple victims.
The court and DOC is required to collect restitution in any case involving anyone “under its supervision” by garnishing wages or bank deposits.
Usually, collections are made in the case immediately before them, but not unpaid balances in other cases. The judicial branch was also found to not be adding interest onto unpaid restitution.
The DOC has agreed to follow the requirements on collecting and distributing restitution, and work together to collect restitution in all cases from those who are incarcerated or on parole.
The state collects an average of about $26 million a year in restitution.