youthful offender

American  

[yooth-fuhl uh-fen-der] / ˈyuθ fəl əˈfɛn dər /

Also youth offender

noun

1. a young delinquent, especially a first offender, usually from 14 to 21 years old, whom the court tries to correct and guide rather than to punish as a criminal.

---

Example Sentences

The ruling made them eligible for parole under California's youthful offender law which allows those who committed crimes before the age of 26 to seek a reduced sentence.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2025

Since the brothers were under the age of 26 at the time of the murders, the reduced sentence made them eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

In denying Mr. Belter youthful offender status, Judge Murphy cited the “moving and eloquent” victim statement M.M. made in court in August.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2021

“The assumption when Judge Murphy denied youthful offender status was that Chris Belter would receive prison time,” Cohen told The Post.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2021

I am informed there was a grave doubt in the mind of the judge who tried the case and imposed the sentence as to the guilt of this alleged youthful offender.

From The Twin Hells; a thrilling narrative of life in the Kansas and Missouri penitentiaries by Reynolds, John N.

Related Words

• delinquent
• gangster
• hoodlum
• hooligan
• troublemaker