People v. Padilla-Lopez

Opinion by

Judge HAWTHORNE.

Defendant, Nicolette Chris Padilla-Lopez, appeals the district court’s order imposing restitution. We conclude that the El Paso County Department of Human Services (DHS) is not a victim under section 18-1.3-602, C.R.S.2009, for restitution purposes of section 18-1.3-205, C.R.S.2009, and we therefore reverse the court’s order and remand.

I. Factual Background

Undercover detectives purchased 16 grams of methamphetamine and 2 grams of cocaine from a third party in defendant’s residence while her children were present. Detectives executed a search warrant and recovered 1.5…