habitual criminal law — n: a law that imposes greater penalties if a convicted defendant has previously been convicted of one or more crimes ◇ Some such laws have been challenged on the ground of violating the prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment in the Eighth… … Law dictionary
habitual criminal — A recidivist (q.v.). A legal category created by statute in many states by which more severe penalties can be imposed on offenders who have multiple felony convictions. In general, habitual offender statutes (which differ from state to state)… … Black's law dictionary
habitual criminal — A recidivist (q.v.). A legal category created by statute in many states by which more severe penalties can be imposed on offenders who have multiple felony convictions. In general, habitual offender statutes (which differ from state to state)… … Black's law dictionary
habitual criminal — noun someone who is repeatedly arrested for criminal behavior (especially for the same criminal behavior) • Syn: ↑recidivist, ↑repeater • Derivationally related forms: ↑repeat (for: ↑repeater), ↑recidivism ( … Useful english dictionary
habitual criminal — repeat offender, lawbreaker who continually reverts to criminal activity … English contemporary dictionary
habitual criminal — A second or subsequent offender; a convicted person with a prior criminal record. A term usually defined with precision by statute in a jurisdiction where the status permits or requires an increase in term of imprisonment imposed for a crime. See … Ballentine's law dictionary
habitual criminal — /həˌbɪtʃuəl ˈkrɪmənəl/ (say huh.bichoohuhl krimuhnuhl) noun a person aged twenty five years or over, who has been convicted on indictment and who, on two previous occasions, has served separate terms following conviction for indictable offences …
habitual criminal statute — A statute which imposes a greater punishment for a second or subsequent offense than for the first. Tucker v State, 14 Okla Crim 54, 167 P 637. Such statutes have been enacted in order that one who persists in the commission of crime may be put… … Ballentine's law dictionary
criminal — crim·i·nal 1 / kri mə nəl/ adj 1: relating to, involving, or being a crime criminal neglect criminal conduct 2: relating to crime or its prosecution brought a criminal action criminal co … Law dictionary
habitual offender — index outlaw Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 habitual offender n. A person … Law dictionary
