State of New Jersey, Plaintiff-Respondent v. James A. Newman, Jr., Defendant-Appellant

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey held that restitution cannot be ordered to recover drug‑buy money paid to the County Prosecutor’s Office because the agency is not a victim who suffered a loss under the statutory scheme. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and remanded for resentencing, directing the trial court to consider imposing a fine instead and to follow proper ability‑to‑pay procedures.