When the court orders an inmate/offender to pay restitution, it means that an offender must pay the damage caused, both to the victims and to the state. Usually, the court orders restitution in all cases and does not consider the offender’s ability or inability to pay. Well, let us talk about making an offender restitution payment on JPay.
How to make an offender restitution payment?
As we know that JPay not only provides ways to make an offender restitution payment, but also to pay your fees, fines, and other parole or probation related to the payments. With all these ways to pay, you will be able to make sure that you meet your COPS obligations on time.
At JPay.com, you will be able to send money to an offender’s commissary/spendable account through the Send Money page. Then, an offender can use this money for some different things such as restitution payments. There are some ways to send money to an offender.
Way 1: Over the phone
The first way to send money to an offender or to make an offender restitution payment is by calling via your phone. For your information, JPay Payment phone number is 1-800-574-5729. So, if you want to send money to an offender, just call 1-800-574-5729 to talk with a JPay representative.
Way 2: Online payments at JPay.com
You are able to send money to an offender online using JPay.com. Here are steps that you have to do:
- On the JPay home page, you have to click Send Money.
- On the Send Money page, just do one of the steps. In the Transfer Category list, choose a transfer category, then click Continue. if no Transfer Category is available just click Continue.
- After that, you have to select your payment method by choosing a previously saved card from the Select card list, or click Use a new credit/debit card to use a new card (you are going to be prompted to add billing information for the new card).
- Next, in the Enter Amount field, please submit the amount of money you want to send to the offender, then click Continue.
- In the Payment Verification box, you have to ensure the information is correct. Click Submit.
Way 3: JPay Mobile App
There is a fast way to pay offender restitution. It is by using JPay Mobile app. So, if you want to make a payment through JPay Mobile app, download the JPay mobile app. For those who are an Android user, you can download JPay Mobile app from Google Play Store. While for those who are an iPhone user, you can download JPay Mobile app from Apple App Store. Eventually, you are able to make an offender restitution payment wherever you are.
Way 4: Money Orders
In some states you are able to send money to an offender using JPay’s money order service. Ensure the coupon you download corresponds to the state where you are going to be sending the money order.
You are going to need:
- A cashier’s check or money order
- The JPay money order coupon for the state where you are going to send the money order. To download the JPay coupon, visit the official site of JPay.
For note: In Indiana you have to be on the offender’s approved visitor list before a money order can be received.
Way 5: MoneyGram
Another way to send money to an offender is by using MoneyGram. For this case, you are able to do the cash payments at any MoneyGram agent location including:
- Walmarts
- Albertsons
- 7-11
- CVS Pharmacy
You will require:
- Inmate’s Correctional ID number and last name
- The facility name or receive code.
You are able to visit the MoneyGram site to discover locations near you at the official site of moneygram. Or you can also see a list of nearby MoneyGram agent locations at JPay.com. Additionally, we are going to share how to send money from a MoneyGram Location.
- Firstly, find a MoneyGram location
- Then, go to MoneyGram location near you. Do not forget to bring valid personal identification like a driver’s license.
- After that, complete the blue Express Payment service form.
- Please give the form to the MoneyGram agent along with the money you will send plus the fee of transfer.
- Lastly, you are going to get a reference number. Just keep this for future reference.
For your information, money transfers will post to the facility the next business day or sooner.
Frequently asked questions about offender restitution
Here are some frequently asked questions about offender restitution that you need to know:
When is restitution ordered by the courts?
The offender restitution order is read aloud in court along with the sentence to prison.
Are there different kinds of restitution?
According to the research, there are three different kinds of restitution: restitution fines, parole revocation fines, and direct orders. The court is able to order all three kinds of restitution in the same case. If an offender is found guilty in multiple cases, the court will order all three types of restitution in each case.
What is a restitution fine?
Restitution fines are the offender’s debt to the society. These restitution fines are how offenders pay back the state for the crime they committed.
Can you make voluntary payments on your restitution?
You are able to send voluntary payments on your restitution to the accounting trust office at the institution where you are housed. Usually, exact procedures will vary between institutions. For more information, you are able to talk to your Correctional Counselor.
How do you keep track of the restitution you owe while you are in prison?
Usually, your institution provide you with a copy of your restitution balance on a monthly basis. Please direct any specific questions regarding your restitution to your Correctional Counselor.
How do you keep track of the restitution you owe while on parole?
Your parole agent will give you with copies of your restitution balance and respond to specific questions related to your restitution.
