Habitual Offender Statute
/ˈhæbɪtʃuəl əˈfɛn.dər ˈstætʃuːt/
Definitions
- (n.) A law imposing enhanced penalties on individuals convicted of multiple offenses, aimed at deterring repeat criminal behavior.
Under the habitual offender statute, the defendant received a longer prison sentence due to prior convictions.
Forms
- habitual offender statute
- habitual offender statutes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Draft habitual offender statutes with clear criteria for prior offenses and defined sentencing enhancements to ensure enforceability and fairness.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.