(a)        An order providing for restitution does not abridge the right of a victim or the victim’s estate to bring a civil action against the defendant for damages arising out of the offense committed by the defendant. Any amount paid by the defendant under the terms of a restitution order under this Article shall be credited against any judgment rendered against the defendant in favor of the same victim in a civil action arising out of the criminal offense committed by the defendant.

(b)        The court may order the defendant to make restitution to a person other than the victim, or to any organization, corporation, or association, including the Crime Victims Compensation Fund, that provided assistance to the victim following the commission of the offense by the defendant and is subrogated to the rights of the victim. Restitution shall be made to the victim or the victim’s estate before it is made to any other person, organization, corporation, or association under this subsection.

(c)        No government agency shall benefit by way of restitution except for particular damage or loss to it over and above its normal operating costs and except that the State may receive restitution for the total amount of a judgment authorized by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-455(b).

(d)       Repealed by Session Laws 2016-78, s. 6.4, effective December 1, 2016. ?(1998-212, s. 19.4(d); 2016-78, s. 6.4.)