Handbook on Restorative justice programmes

5.1.2 Offenders
Many observers argue that, in the conventional criminal justice system,
offenders are not required to confront the full consequences of their deci-
sions and their actions. In many systems, an offender can be processed
through the entire justice system, from arrest, detention, trial, sentencing,
and perhaps incarceration, without speaking more than a few sentences.
The Basic Principles (para. 7) recommends that restorative processes
should only be used where there is sufficient evidence to charge the
offender and with the free and voluntary consent of the offender, who
should be able to withdraw such consent at any time during the process.
Offenders also require access to legal advice and/or information. 
For the offender the process is far from over with the conclusion of an
agreement with other parties. Fulfilling the commitment that he or she
has made as part of the agreement is, perhaps, even more important. This
second aspect is one which must engage the offenders directly. This is
where they must demonstrate that they have accepted responsibility for
their conduct and are prepared to be accountable for it in a very real and
practical way.
chapter 5