State v. Hillard, ___ N.C. App. ___, 811 S.E.2d 702 (Feb. 20, 2018)

In this animal cruelty case, the trial court did not err by imposing a restitution award in the amount of $10,693.43. There was sufficient competent evidence to support the amount of restitution ordered. The State provided written victim impact statements to the trial court during the sentencing hearing and the trial court heard oral victim impact statements and received an itemized worksheet of expenses as well as supporting documentation, including veterinary bills and receipts. These materials constitute sufficient competent evidence to support the restitution award. The trial court properly considered the defendant’s financial circumstances and found the award to be within his ability to pay. Specifically, the defendant testified regarding his employment history and other matters.