Criminal Repeat Offenses

Criminal repeat offenses are instances where a person commits the same unlawful act for which they were previously prosecuted and convicted. Recidivism is the term used to describe the occurrence of a convicted criminal reoffending. (Note: being charged with a crime without being convicted does not qualify as a criminal repeat offense).

A criminal offense is an illegal act that breaches the moral standards of society. These offenses can range from less severe misdemeanors to more severe felonies. In criminal cases, the government is typically the party that initiates the lawsuit. Multiple levels of government, including city, county, state, and federal governments, may be involved.

If a defendant is found guilty of a criminal offense, the government imposes punishments such as jail time, fines, or probation, and penalties for repeat offenders are generally more severe.

Why Do Repeat Offenses Happen?

There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why former criminals reoffend. However, several trends provide insight into this phenomenon:

1. Mental Illness: Many inmates with mental health issues do not receive proper treatment during their incarceration. Upon release, they often lack the necessary coping skills, medication, therapy, and other resources, making it more likely that they will engage in criminal activities again.
2. Unemployment: Finding work after being released from prison can be challenging, particularly for those with limited work experience or a criminal record. For some, returning to criminal activities seems like the only viable solution.
3. Drug and Alcohol Addiction: Proper treatment for substance abuse is often not provided to incarcerated people. Upon release, many revert to old addiction habits. They may resort to crime to fund their dependencies or commit crimes as a result of their addiction, such as driving under the influence.
4. Lack of Social Support: Upon release from prison, people may struggle with reintegration due to a lack of social support, including strained family relationships or an absence of positive role models. This isolation can lead to a return to criminal activities as a means of seeking connection or support.
5. Inadequate Education and Skills: Many inmates do not have access to adequate educational programs or vocational training while incarcerated. This lack of education and skills can make it difficult for them to find stable employment, making a return to crime more appealing.
6. Housing Insecurity: Finding stable and affordable housing can be challenging for people with a criminal record, as they may face discrimination from landlords or be ineligible for public housing assistance. Housing insecurity can contribute to a cycle of crime as people struggle to meet their basic needs.
7. Stigma and Discrimination: The societal stigma surrounding criminal convictions can make it difficult for formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into their communities. They may face discrimination in employment, housing, and social settings, which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and increase the likelihood of recidivism.
8. Inadequate Post-Release Support: Insufficient resources and support programs for released individuals, such as mental health counseling, job training, and substance abuse treatment, can hinder their successful reintegration into society, increasing the risk of reoffending.
9. Peer Influence and Gang Affiliation: For some, returning to their old social circles and associations with criminal groups or gangs can significantly affect their return to criminal activities. The pressure to conform and maintain loyalty to the group may lead to reoffending.
10. Trauma and Abuse: Many individuals in the criminal justice system have experienced trauma or abuse, which can contribute to mental health issues, substance abuse, and criminal behavior. If these underlying issues are not addressed through proper treatment, they may continue to contribute to repeat offenses.

What Are the Defenses and Mitigating Factors for Repeat Offenses?

Courts may consider valid defenses or mitigating factors that could lessen the defendant’s fault in some cases.

Examples include:

1. Mistaken Identity: This defense could be effective if the defendant can demonstrate they were not responsible for the criminal act.
2. Minimal Role in the Crime: The court might consider this a mitigating factor if the defendant played only a small part in the crime.
3. Solid Alibi: If the defendant can prove they were in a different location when the crime occurred, this defense may be successful.
4. Victim Participated in Crime: If the defense can show that the victim willingly and knowingly engaged in criminal activities, the court may take this into account and reduce the defendant’s fault.
5. Stress-Induced Situation: Situations brought on by dangerous or uncontrollable factors could excuse or lessen the defendant’s guilt.
6. Mental Illness: Mental health issues may serve as a defense or mitigating factor during a defendant’s trial.
7. Remorse: Sincere expressions of regret for actions and involvement in a crime can influence the resulting punishment.
8. Duress or Coercion: If the defendant committed the crime because they were under immediate and unlawful pressure or threats from another person, the court may consider this as a valid defense.
9. Entrapment: If the defendant can prove that they were induced or coerced by law enforcement to commit the crime, the court may accept this as a valid defense.
10. Necessity: If the defendant can show that they committed the crime to prevent greater harm from occurring, the court may consider this a mitigating factor.
11. Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If the defendant committed the crime in response to an imminent and unlawful threat to their own safety or that of others, the court may consider this as a valid defense.
12. Age or Youthfulness: If the defendant was a minor at the time of the crime or had a significantly reduced mental capacity due to their age, the court may take this into account as a mitigating factor.
13. Rehabilitation Efforts: If the defendant can demonstrate that they have taken substantial steps toward rehabilitating themselves, such as participating in treatment programs or community service, the court may consider this a mitigating factor.
14. Provocation: If the defendant committed the crime in response to a provocation by the victim or another individual, the court may take this into account as a mitigating factor.

Should I Call an Attorney if I am a Repeat Offender?

If you or someone you know is convicted of any criminal offense, including a criminal repeat offense, contacting a knowledgeable local criminal defense attorney is highly recommended. They can help ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

An experienced criminal law attorney can help you understand a repeat offense’s consequences and potential defenses.

LegalMatch is an online legal matching service that can connect you with experienced criminal defense attorneys in your area who handle cases involving repeat offenses. By filling out a brief questionnaire, LegalMatch can provide you with a list of qualified attorneys who have experience dealing with repeat offense cases similar to yours.

Once you receive a list of potential attorneys, you can review their profiles, read reviews from previous clients, and schedule a consultation with the attorney of your choice. During the consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your case and ask the attorney any questions you may have.

By working with a criminal defense attorney found through LegalMatch, you can receive the guidance and representation you need to navigate the criminal justice system and achieve the best possible outcome in your repeat offender criminal case.