Terms Used In Vermont Statutes Title 33 Sec. 143a

  • Benefits: means aid or commodities furnished under chapter 17 of this title. See
  • Person: shall include any natural person, corporation, municipality, the State of Vermont or any department, agency, or subdivision of the State, and any partnership, unincorporated association, or other legal entity. See
  • Restitution: The court-ordered payment of money by the defendant to the victim for damages caused by the criminal action.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

§ 143a. Civil remedies

(a) A person who violates subsection 141(c), (d), or (e) of this title with actual knowledge may be subject to a civil suit by the Attorney General for:

(1) restitution of the amount of assistance, benefits, or payments wrongfully obtained;

(2) interest; and

(3) a civil penalty of up to three times the amount of the wrongfully obtained assistance, benefits, or payments; or $500.00 per false claim; or $500.00 for each false document submitted in support of a false claim, whichever is greatest.

(b) The remedies provided in this section shall be in addition to any other remedies provided by law.

(c) The right to a jury trial shall attach to actions under this section. (Added 2003, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)