NCJ Number
80802
Date Published
1980
Length
120 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study examined the juvenile criminal histories of young adult recidivists and drew implications for sentencing policy.
Abstract
The juvenile and adult criminal histories of 249 male recidivists in their early 20's, incarcerated in Ontario correctional centers, were examined. In interviews with the subjects, three phases in their criminal careers were examined: (1) the juvenile phase (up to 16 years old), (2) the young adult phase (16 to 18 years old), and (3) the adult phase (over 18 years old). Subjects were asked about their criminal involvement in these three phases, along with information on family and social background, and criminal planning activities. These self-reported data were supplemented by official criminal records. Findings indicate that as juveniles, the subjects were regularly involved in both petty and serious crime, for which they were occasionally apprehended. Their involvement in crime steadily escalated until it reached a peak when they were about 16 years old. Criminal activity remained steady from this point, until by their early 20's a definite criminal lifestyle had been established. In all cases, however, the subjects had not been incarcerated until after they were 16 years old, the point at which their criminal activity had reached its peak. At any given time, half of the charges against the subjects had been dismissed or withdrawn, and those resulting in convictions did not produce severe sentences. There is a clear need for identification of early habitual criminal patterns, so that sentencing may become progressively more severe at an earlier stage. Tabular and graphic data are provided. (Author abstract modified)