Court-Based Programs
We created Project Restitution to provide the court with a sentencing alternative for offenders that is both constructive and appropriate for the offense. Restorative justice is the guiding value of Project Restitution, where in case managers offer new beginnings to individual offenders, look out for the interests of victims, and work to make communities whole
In daily cooperation with the Rhode Island District Court, Justice Assistance ensures that victims of crime are repaid for any loss or damage they have suffered. The objective is guide offenders toward success completion of their court-ordered conditions in a manner that efficiently and effectively helps them exit the criminal justice system. The overarching goals are to promote restorative justice and reduce recidivism.
Our role in the Restitution Process for Offenders
OFFENDER NOTIFICATION
Justice Assistance Court-Based Case Managers will make every effort to notify individuals of their court-ordered conditions. All people who receive a filing should receive information from the Rhode Island District Court on how to contact their assigned case manager. The case managers are a resource for the clients and will help them navigate their conditions. Conditions associated with a filing may include state-certified domestic violence counseling; mental health and/ or substance use counseling, restitution, and community service.
OFFENDER RESTITUTION and repayment is established as soon as staff receives and verifies a statement of loss from the victim. Justice Assistance assists the offender with establishing a manageable and consistent payment plan. Offender payments go directly to the Rhode Island Central Registry.
COURT-ORDERED CONDITIONS
Case Managers assist clients with fulfilling their court-ordered conditions. This includes locating and communicating with a community service site and finding a clinician for mental health or substance use counseling. Clients are eligible to complete mental health, substance use, and anger management counseling at Justice Assistance. Please contact your case manager for a referral to our behavioral health services.
Expungement Clinic
Since 2023, Justice Assistance has partnered with the Rhode Island Public Defender to provide monthly expungement clinics. One Friday a month, individuals have the opportunity to consult with the public defender and receive a free review of their criminal record to determine expungement eligibility. These clinics operate on a preregistration basis, and we kindly ask that interested participants only register for ONE time slot. Please click HERE to register or scan the QR Code.
Services for Victims of Crime
Project Victim Services works every day to assure that crime victims in Rhode Island are treated with respect and dignity. We take pride in offering new beginnings to individual victims and victimized businesses.
Through our advocacy and providing services within the Rhode Island District Court, Project Victim Services keeps victims informed of the status of their case. We aid victims in collecting meaningful restitution and by making proper referrals. A key part of our mission is to help victims understand and participate in their court cases. As we offer a helping hand to our fellow citizens, we magnify our effectiveness by partnering with our fellow victim service providers.
Our role in the Victim Services Process
VICTIM NOTIFICATION is the first step within Justice Assistance's victim service delivery construct. Each crime victim receives the initial notification from Justice Assistance. This notification informs the victim as to their respective offender's court outcome, and it will detail the court-ordered sanction(s).
VICTIM STATEMENT OF LOSS completion may present as an overwhelming task, especially in the recent aftermath of the incident that brought the victim into the justice system. The victim Statement of Loss (SOL) is an integral part of this time-sensitive process and is essential to establish restitution. Questions may involve a victim's insurance company and general question and/or confusion regarding estimates and/or receipts for any loss or damage incurred and the case managers are ready to support filling out the paperwork and answering any questions that may arise.
VICTIM REIMBURSEMENT is received through the Rhode Island Central Registry. After restitution is set, an account is created with the Central Registry and payment will be sent to the address provided on the VSOL as the defendant makes payments toward the restitution. If there is a change in contact information or address, please notify your case manager so that repayment is received.
Contact Your Case Manager:
Contact your case manager to check in on the status of your case or for information about victim services. Case Managers provides services for both programs.
For Providence County:
Marcela Lopera, Court-Based Program Manager
Email: MLopera@justiceassistance.org
Phone: (401) 781 - 7000 Ext 29
For Kent County:
Jeremy Fague, Case Manager
Email: JFague@justiceassistance.org
Phone: (401) 781 - 7000 Ext 30
For Newport & Washington County:
David DePina, Case Manager
Email: DDepina@justiceassistance.org
Phone: (401) 781 - 7000 Ext 34