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.

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Example Sentences

The brothers are eligible for parole under California's youthful offender law which allows individuals who committed crimes before the age of 26 to seek a reduced sentence.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

Resentencing could trigger their eligibility for parole through the state’s youthful offender law since they were under 26 at the time of the murders.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 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

In the report released Wednesday, Inserta interviewed 89 kids held at youthful offender facilities in three northern border states, two states in central Mexico and two southeastern states.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 13, 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