Annie’s Mailbox: How can I afford to pay restitution?

Dear Annie: I have to pay restitution for a crime I committed, along with court fees and attorney fees. How in the world am I to get a job to do that? I know I should have thought of that before committing the crime, but I didn’t. It was a non-violent crime, and I just wasn’t thinking. And there is nothing I can do about that now.

The detectives arrested me at my job, so I lost my excellent-paying position. I currently am out on bail and hoping to get work so I can defer some of the costs, but when prospective employers do a background check, it shows that I have charges pending. When I am convicted, which is likely, the background check will be even worse.

I have never done anything like this before, and don’t plan to again, but for the moment, I have no idea how to handle it. I am lost and — All Alone Out There

Dear All Alone: While a criminal record is hardly a good recommendation to an employer, you might be surprised to know that many employers are willing to hire someone who has served his sentence or who is trying to make amends.

For assistance and information, contact the Safer Foundation (saferfoundation-.org) at 571 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60661.