Can Paying the Money Back Keep You Out of Prison?

When someone is charged with a financial crime in Connecticut, the first question they usually ask is, “Am I going to jail?” The immediate follow-up is almost always, “If I just pay the money back, will this go away?”

In larceny, embezzlement, and white-collar cases, restitution is the undisputed heavy hitter in plea negotiations. Understanding exactly how prosecutors evaluate these cases—and how your ability to repay the funds impacts your sentencing exposure—can dramatically alter the outcome of your case.