Code of Alabama

Ala. Code § 15-18-65 (2026)

Legislative Findings; Purpose and Construction of Article.

✓ official Alabama Legislature (ALISON) text, current July 2026
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The Legislature hereby finds, declares and determines that it is essential to be fair and impartial in the administration of justice, that all perpetrators of criminal activity or conduct be required to fully compensate all victims of such conduct or activity for any pecuniary loss, damage or injury as a direct or indirect result thereof. The provisions of this article shall be construed so as to accomplish this purpose and to promote the same which shall be the public policy of this state.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-588, p. 928, §1.)

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 47 cases (3 in the last 5 years), 1982–2025 · leading case: Henry v. State, 468 So. 2d 896 (Ala. Crim. App. 1984).
Henry v. State, 468 So. 2d 896 (Ala. Crim. App. 1984). · cites it 3× “" This constitutes sufficient compliance with Alabama Code 1975, § 15-18-65, et seq. and Rule 10, Ala.”
Theodorou v. State, 53 So. 3d 151 (Ala. 2010). · cites it 4× “Discussion “The right of crime victims to receive restitution is set forth in the Restitution to Victims of Crimes Act, § 15-18-65 et seq., Ala.Code 1975 (‘the Act’).”
Ex Parte Fletcher, 849 So. 2d 900 (Ala. 2001). · cites it 4× “The Alabama Restitution to Victims of Crimes Act ("ARVCA") is codified at §§ 15-18-65 to -78, Ala.Code 1975. Section 15-18-65 reads: "The Legislature hereby finds, declares and determines that it is essential to be fair and impartial in the administration of justice, that all…”
Butler v. State, 608 So. 2d 773 (Ala. Crim. App. 1992). · cites it 3× “On February 11, 1992, a restitution hearing was held pursuant to Ala.Code 1975, § 15-18-65 et seq. ("the restitution act").”
Moore v. State, 706 So. 2d 265 (Ala. Crim. App. 1997). · cites it 2× “The Legislature intended "that all perpetrators of criminal activity or conduct be required to fully compensate all victims of such conduct or activity for any pecuniary loss, damage or injury as a direct or indirect result thereof.”
Harris v. State, 542 So. 2d 1312 (Ala. Crim. App. 1989). · cites it 2× “The provisions of the Alabama Code concerning restitution to victims of crime, Alabama Code 1975, § 15-18-65 through § 15-18-77, and the rules of our Supreme Court, Rule 10, Temp.”
Strough v. State, 501 So. 2d 488 (Ala. Crim. App. 1986). “§ 15-18-65, Code of Alabama 1975. (Emphasis supplied).”
Bargeron v. State, 895 So. 2d 385 (Ala. Crim. App. 2004). · cites it 3× “While we recognize that the amount of restitution ordered in any particular case is at the discretion of the trial court, the legislative intent of the restitution statute was not intended to be punitive in nature.”
Best v. State, 895 So. 2d 1050 (Ala. Crim. App. 2004). “Section 15-18-65, Ala.Code 1975, states, in pertinent part: "[I]t is essential to be fair and impartial in the administration of justice, that all perpetrators of criminal activity or conduct be required to fully compensate all victims of such conduct or activity for any…”
St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Co. v. Cox, 583 F. Supp. 1221 (N.D. Ala. 1984). · cites it 2× “" Ala.Code § 15-18-65 (1975). 3 . See United Mine Workers v.”
D.J.W. v. State, 705 So. 2d 521 (Ala. Crim. App. 1996). · cites it 4× “” As the attorney general points out, it is clear from the language of the Restitution to Victims of Crimes Act, §§ 15-18-65 through -78, that the legislature intended that Act to apply to defendants convicted of criminal offenses.”
W.D.J. v. State, 785 So. 2d 390 (Ala. 2000). · cites it 3× “Counsel argued, as he had at the restitution hearing, that McKinley was not due any restitution because he was a participant in the criminal activity which resulted in his injuries and was therefore not a “victim” for the purpose of receiving restitution under § 15-18-65 et seq.…”
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