Which statement is true regarding claims of restitution?

The statement that restitution may not exceed the amount of fines assessed is true because restitution is intended to compensate the victim for their losses resulting from the offender's actions, specifically in cases of criminal conduct. The goal is to restore the victim to the position they were in before the crime, but this is often tied directly to the financial penalties imposed by the court, including fines. By ensuring that restitution does not exceed the fines, the legal system maintains a clear connection between the financial penalties for criminal acts and the compensation for victims. This principle helps to ensure that victims receive justice, while also keeping the punitive measures reasonable and within the scope established by the court.

In contrast, other options suggest conditions that don't accurately reflect the legal framework surrounding restitution, such as the idea that restitution can only be required for felonies or that it is optional, which misrepresents the binding nature of restitution in many legal situations. Moreover, the notion that restitution amounts can exceed fines does not align with the legal limitation meant to ensure equitable compensation and penalty alignment.