Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Restitution is paid to the victims of crime, to compensate for their economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property loss or damage.

It can be paid through the court, which will issue a receipt. In some cases, the court will order the defendant to pay restitution directly to the victim; in that case, you should always pay by check or money order do you can verify the victim received and cashed the payment. Payments should be mailed by certified mail.

You should hold on to records of restitution payments for the rest of your life. I've seen defendants frustrated, years later, when they try to get a felony reduced to a misdemeanor, but can't prove they met their restitution obligations.