The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit reversed a district court’s restitution order, finding a law that reimburses victims of an offense does not extend to personal transportation expenses incurred by the victim’s representative.
Twyla Casados, a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, was driving under the influence within the boundaries of the reservation in Colorado when she struck and killed another motorist, Charlene Bailey. Casados pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and her plea agreement anticipated a restitution order in which Bailey was described as “the victim,” according to the appellate court’s opinion filed on Feb. 18.
