In 1995, the Alabama Legislature enacted a law allowing district attorneys throughout the state to create a unit dedicated to collecting unpaid fines, court costs, and restitution.
What is Restitution and who qualifies?
Restitution is a legal remedy in which a court orders a criminal offender to compensate the victim for financial losses directly caused by the crime. These losses can include things like:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage or loss
- Funeral expenses (in cases involving a death)
Restitution is separate from fines (which are paid to the court or government) and civil damages (which are awarded through a civil lawsuit). The goal of restitution is to help make the victim financially whole again to the extent possible.
How do victims receive payments?
When a defendant pleads guilty to a crime, they are given 90 days from the date of the plea to pay their restitution in full. If the restitution is not paid within that time frame, the case is referred to the Restitution Recovery Unit.
Once our office receives the case, we establish a monthly payment plan for the defendant. These monthly payments are then submitted to the Circuit Clerk’s Office at the end of each month.
The Circuit Clerk’s Office is responsible for disbursing the collected payments. They will issue checks to the victim based on the payments received.
How to check status/update info?
If you need to verify the status of your case or update your information, please call our Restitution Recovery Unit during operating hours.
Payments
Payments may be made in one of the following ways:
- By Mail:
Marshall County District Attorney’s Office
Attn: Restitution Recovery Unit
424 Blount Avenue, Suite 208
Guntersville, AL 35976 - In Person:
435 Blount Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
Payment methods :
- We accept cash (correct change only), cashier’s check, and money orders.
- No electronic payments of any kind are accepted at this time.
- No personal checks are accepted.
Instructions for Money orders/Cashier’s checks:
- Must be made payable to: Restitution Recovery Unit or RRU
- Must have the defendant’s name and birthdate on it
- Must be the exact amount
If you would like a receipt mailed to you, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your money order or cashier’s check.
Restitution Recovery Unit
RRU Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Closed for lunch from noon - 1:00 p.m.
RRU Phone number:
256-582-0528
Mailing address:
424 Blount Avenue, Suite 208
Guntersville, AL 35976
Physical address:
435 Blount Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
(located behind the Marshall County Courthouse next to the Marshall County Jail.)
*We may occasionally be closed during regular business hours. For the most current updates on closures, please check our Facebook page.