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Synonyms

youthful offender

American  
[yooth-fuhl uh-fen-der] / ˈjuθ 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

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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

Under the state’s youthful offender law, both are immediately eligible for parole because the shootings happened before they turned 26.

From Los Angeles Times May 14, 2025

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

Weidert was a youthful offender who has "an impeccable prison record" and four psychological assessments saying he would be of little risk if released, said his attorney, Charles Carbone.

From Fox News Aug. 10, 2021

As he was conveyed thither, an incident occurred that produced a considerable impression on the feelings of the youthful offender.

From Jack Sheppard A Romance by Ainsworth, William Harrison

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