What is the difference between restitution and a fine?
If you have been convicted of a criminal or civil crime, you most likely have been ordered to pay a fine or to pay restitution. The main distinction between a fine and restitution is that a fine is paid to the state or federal government persecuting your crime and restitution is paid directly to your victim for the economic loss you caused to them or to a crime victims fund. You can be ordered to pay both a fine and a restitution.
