- youthful offender
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youth·ful offender n: a young person (as one within a statutorily specified age range) who commits a crime but is granted special status entitling him or her to a more lenient punishment (as one involving probation or confinement in a special youth correctional facility) than would otherwise be available compare juvenile delinquent, status offender◇ Young individuals who are no longer juveniles may be categorized as youthful offenders. Youthful offender treatment is generally designed to free a young person from the negative consequences of being convicted and punished as an adult, in the hope that he or she will be rehabilitated. Factors in the determination of youthful offender status include the crime and the criminal history of the individual.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.
- youthful offender
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n.A criminal who is older than a juvenile but still young, usually between the ages of 18 and 25, who might receive special consideration at sentencing to maximize chances of rehabilitation.
The Essential Law Dictionary. — Sphinx Publishing, An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. Amy Hackney Blackwell. 2008.
- youthful offender
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Someone under the age of 18 accused of a crime, who is processed through a juvenile court and juvenile detention or prison facilities instead of regular court, jail, and prison. Courts may have the latitude to try some young defendants as adults, particularly those who are repeat offenders, appear to be beyond rehabilitation, or are involved in major crimes like murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, or aggravated assault. (See also: juvenile delinquent)Category: Criminal LawCategory: Small Claims Court & Lawsuits
Nolo’s Plain-English Law Dictionary. Gerald N. Hill, Kathleen Thompson Hill. 2009.