Recidivist
A person who repeatedly commits crimes and returns to criminal behavior after being punished.
Encyclopedia entry: Recidivist
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recidivist
A recidivist is an offender who repeatedly or habitually engages in criminal behavior. This usually refers to an individual being convicted of a crime , serving the sentence, and then committing another crime that results in a new conviction and sentence.
[Last reviewed in August of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team
]
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Encyclopedia content from Cornell LII Wex (CC-BY-NC-SA 2.5).
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.