Terms Used In Texas Government Code 509.002

  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.

The purpose of this chapter is to:
(1) allow localities to increase their involvement and responsibility in developing sentencing programs that provide effective sanctions for criminal defendants;
(2) provide increased opportunities for criminal defendants to make restitution to victims of crime through financial reimbursement or community service;
(3) provide increased use of community penalties designed specifically to meet local needs; and
(4) promote efficiency and economy in the delivery of community-based correctional programs consistent with the objectives defined by § 1.02, Penal Code.