habitual criminals
Serial law breakers
Habitual criminals are repeat offenders—people who commit crimes persistently despite prior convictions.
The term appears in legal contexts where enhanced sentencing applies to those with established patterns of criminal behavior: The law imposed longer sentences on habitual criminals.
Three-strikes laws specifically target habitual criminals with mandatory sentences after multiple felonies.
- crime ratesFrequency of offenses measured
- recidivismHabitual return to crime
- revolving doorCircular spinning entrance
- antisocial behaviorConduct harming community welfare
- three-strikes lawMandatory life after third felony
cognitive-behavioral therapy · parole violations · parole board · addiction · deviance · compulsion · psychopathy · prison overcrowding · substance abuse programs · repeat offenders · sentencing guidelines · impulsivity · rap sheet · behind bars · doing time · plea bargaining · incarceration rates · reentry programs
habitual criminalspillars of the community
Respected, influential local figures
habitual criminalspolice officers
Sworn law enforcers
judges · prosecutors · prison guards · parole officers · crime fighters
habitual, habitually, habit, habits, habituate, habituated, habituation, habitude, inhabit