Crisler

Defendant Robert Lee Crisler was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Defendant’s only contention on appeal is that the trial court abused its discretion in awarding direct victim restitution in the amount of $9,567.82 to the victim’s parents for lost wages, mileage, and parking fees incurred while attending the 15-day murder trial. Defendant claims that because the parents did not testify at trial or otherwise assist the prosecution, the trial court’s award went beyond the language of the restitution statute as well as the intent of the Legislature in mandating direct victim restitution. As will be explained more fully below, defendant is incorrect. We will affirm the judgment.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

On June 23, 2006, defendant was convicted of first degree murder in the death of 15-year-old Mario Vidal. The trial court ordered restitution to the victim’s mother, father, and stepfather (parents) in an amount to be determined. On July 23, 2007, the probation department filed a report recommending restitution in the amount of $54,184.16. On the same day, the trial court ordered defendant to either stipulate to the…