First-time Offenders Research Articles

Prior Crime Specialization and Its Relationship to Homicide Crime Scene Behavior Type

The present study explored the link between offenders’ prior criminal specialization (violent crime, sexual crime, or burglary/theft) and subsequent homicide crime scene type (exploit, control, distance) in 77 U.S. cases of single-offender/single-victim homicides. Specialists as compared to those with no prior criminal history were significantly more likely to engage in goal directed behaviors such as controlling the victim, controlling the outcome, and exploitative behaviors (sex and theft). Sexual crime specialists specifically were the more distinct subtype. The findings indicated differences in how first-time homicide offenders approach the crime scene and are discussed in line with the usefulness to homicide investigators.

The First-Time Adult-Onset Offender

Preoccupation of criminologists with juvenile-onset criminal careers overshadows the fact that offenders who begin their criminal careers in adulthood comprise a substantial portion of adult offender populations. Little is known about adult-onset offenders, generally, and even less about first-time adult-onset offenders. Using a large sample of adult felons on probation supervision, this study explores differences between first and repeat offenders. With respect to risk factors at intake, timing of rearrest, and frequency and nature of supervision failures over 3 years, first-time adult-onset participants exhibited statistically significant differences in relation to both repeat adult-onset and juvenile persistent offenders, with largest differences occurring in analyses involving the latter. With respect to risk factors at intake and rearrest, events in adulthood played a more dominant role among first-time adult-onset offenders compared with other groups, where criminal lifestyle factors were in greater evidence. The article concludes with a discussion of community supervision practices to prevent the progression of the first-time adult-onset offender's criminal career, social reforms to assist this group, and avenues for relevant future research.

Three‐year mortality and predictors after release: a longitudinal study of the first‐time drug offenders in Taiwan

To assess the possible increase in mortality rate and associated socio-demographic and judiciary determinants among first-time drug offenders during the first 3 years after release from correctional facilities. A total of 22 224 male and 4444 female adults who had served a sentence of at least 1 day in correctional facilities for illegal drug-related offences were identified from the judiciary records of the Ministry of Justice, Taiwan. The underlying causes of death were defined by the International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision. Findings All-cause standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were 7 for schedule I (e.g. heroin) and 3 for schedule II (e.g. methamphetamine) drug offenders, respectively; accidents, suicide and circulatory diseases were three leading causes of death. After release, the risk of death among those drug offenders without subsequent incarceration increased gradually until the 9th month. Those who were aged 30 years or older, had an engagement with a higher-ranked schedule substance or who received severe sentences were two to three times more likely to die. Substantial reduction in the risk of death was linked with re-imprisonment. The SMR estimates for external causes were greater than those for disease-related causes in drug offenders, and schedule I drugs-related mortality rate was twice as high as that with schedule II drugs. In transitioning from the correctional setting to the community, the health needs of drug offenders should be addressed by the provision of continuous, adequate medical care tailored to individual background, medical history and drug experience.

No Second Chances: Leandra's Law and Mandatory Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for First-Time Drunk Driving Offenders

This Comment will examine whether it was prudent for New York to mandate alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted DWI offenders. This Comment begins with an examination of the recent history of alcohol ignition interlocks in New York State. This Comment will then focus on three major critiques of alcohol ignition interlocks: first, whether first-time offenders should be treated the same way as serious alcohol abusers; second, whether mandating alcohol ignition interlocks for first-time offenders is an efficient way to curb drunk driving; and third, whether mandatory alcohol ignition interlock laws violate the separation of powers doctrine through Pennsylvania case law. Finally, this Comment will explore the future of alcohol ignition interlocks. Ultimately, this Comment will conclude that Leandra's Law will help reduce the scourge of drunk driving and save lives.

Natural Experiment in Deviant Peer Exposure and Youth Recidivism

Little empirical data exist addressing potential iatrogenic effects of placing youth in juvenile justice settings. We took advantage of a natural experiment in one state where juvenile offenders are evaluated in either residential settings characterized by high-density contact with delinquent youth or community settings with naturally varying contact with delinquent peers. Higher rates of subsequent recidivism were found among first-time offenders when evaluation occurred in residential (N = 1,255) as opposed to community settings (N = 752). This finding was replicated in a subset (N = 634 per group) matched using propensity scores for five predictors of recidivism. Findings are interpreted in light of a deviancy training process occurring in residential juvenile justice settings.

What You Did Only Matters if You Are One of Us

Research has demonstrated that repeat offenders are generally punished more severely than first-time offenders. In the present article, we argue that this should particularly be true if the offender is a member of one’s own social category. A group of 86 students were told about a fellow student who hid books from the university library. The student was either an ingroup or an outgroup member and was either a first-time or a repeat offender. As expected, repeat ingroup offenders were more severely punished than first-time ingroup offenders; this effect was mediated by anger/outrage and societal concerns. If the offender was an outgroup member, however, criminal history did not influence punitive reactions.

Does Screening Classification Predict Long-term Outcomes of DWI Offenders

To determine the usefulness of a screening classification system in predicting treatment use, current substance abuse disorders (SUD), and driving over the alcohol limit (DOL) at 15-year follow-up. Interviewed 583 driving while imparied (DWI) first offenders with SUDs. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to determine predictors of long-term outcomes. Screening classification defined groups with different treatment histories and 15-year outcomes. Current SUDs were reported by 21% and DOL by 10%, of subjects. Group differences suggest that screening data could be used more effectively to triage and treat DWI offenders.

Developing a Group Motivational Interviewing Intervention for First-Time Adolescent Offenders At-Risk for an Alcohol or Drug Use Disorder

This study examined how teens who had committed a first-time alcohol or other drug (AOD) offense responded to a motivational interviewing (MI) group intervention. Participants were 101 first-time AOD adolescent offenders (M = 15.88; 63% male, 54% Hispanic). The authors developed and tested a six-session curriculum called Free Talk and solicited feedback from different teens after each session. Groups were recorded and transcribed. Feedback was categorized using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity scale (MITI 3.0). Feedback indicated high levels of evocation, collaboration, autonomy/support, and empathy. The current study highlights that utilizing group MI can be an acceptable approach for at-risk youth.

Perception of Risk for Subsequent Drinking and Driving Related Offenses and Locus of Control among First-Time DUI Offenders

It is estimated that approximately one third of first-time driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offenders are at risk for committing a subsequent offense. To reduce the risk of recidivism, most states require mandatory screening and counseling of convicted DUI offenders. Unfortunately, the majority of offenders are not receptive to either screening or recommendations for further interventions designed to reduce their level of risk. The current study examines the relationship between locus of control and receptivity to risk status. To test this hypothesis, both the Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (I-E) and the Drinking Related Internal-External Locus of Control Scale (DRIE) were administered to a group of convicted first DUI offenders. The results indicate that the offenders manifesting a more internal locus of control were more receptive to risk information compared to their external locus of control counterparts. Important clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Do State Policies Matter in Prosecutor-Reported Juvenile Marijuana Case Disposition?

This article examines outcomes for first-time juvenile marijuana possession offenders based on relationships between state policy and local prosecutor self-reported decision making. Specifically, relationships between state statutory penalty data for low-level marijuana possession offenses and prosecutor-reported case outcomes for first-offender juvenile marijuana possession cases are examined. A national sample of prosecutors was interviewed in 2000. Analyses included state statutory policy data in effect as of January 1, 1999, as well as community sociodemographic controls. Results indicated that state statutory policy significantly related to prosecutor-reported juvenile court processing as well as diversion and transfer to criminal court. State statutory policy appears to play a significant role among the legal, resource, and extralegal factors that affect prosecutorial discretion regarding juvenile substance offenders.

The characteristic of impulsivity in 245 male criminal offenders

Objective To study the characteristic of impulsivity in 245 male criminal offenders.Methods 245 male criminal offenders were collected by the self-made demography scale.Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) was used to evaluate the impulsivity,compared with 187 controls.Results The scores of BIS-11 and its factors in male criminal offenders [(64.63±9.34),(18.16±3.36),(25.79 ～ 4.18),(20.69±3.93)] were higher than the controls [(57.07±7.48),(16.67±2.60),(22.20±3.75),(18.20 ～ 3.17)],(P ＜ O.01).The scores of BIS-11 and its factors in multi-criminals were higher than other groups,but the difference was not statistically significant (P ＞ 0.05).The BIS-11 total score and factor scores of recidivism group [(68.59±14.54),(19.68±4.92),(27.54±6.61),(21.37±4.50)] were higher than the one of first-time offenders [(64.81±10.35) ,(18.01±3.69),(25.86±4.60),(20.83±4.25)] ,but only BIS-11 total scores and the attention factor score between the two groups were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).All age groups and the factor scores of BIS-11 scores were no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The level of impulsivity in male criminal offenders was higher than the controls.Assessing the impulsivity of offenders was in favor of understanding the personality characteristics of criminals and mental activity. Key words: Impulsivity; Male criminal offenders; Barratt impulsiveness scale-11

Are biomarkers of chronic alcohol misuse useful in the assessment of DWI recidivism status?

A first driving while impaired by alcohol (DWI) conviction is a key opportunity to identify offenders who are at high risk for recidivism. Detection of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major target of current DWI assessments. However, offenders frequently underreport their alcohol consumption, and use of biomarkers has been proposed as a more objective indicator. Among the best established are aspartate aminotranferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), mean corpuscular red blood cell volume (MCV), carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT), and thiamine. To our knowledge, no research has directly verified whether AUD biomarkers predict DWI recidivism status. Using a cross-sectional design, this study tested three hypotheses related to the utility of biomarkers in DWI assessment. Hypotheses (1) DWI recidivists possess biomarkers indicative of greater prevalence of AUD compared to first-time offenders; (2) multiple biomarkers better differentiate first-time offenders from recidivists compared to individual biomarkers; and (3) biomarkers add significantly to the prediction of recidivism over and above psychosocial questionnaires. Methods First-time offenders ( n = 49) and recidivists ( n = 95) participated in the study. In addition to self-reported information on sociodemographic and driving characteristics, data from several AUD questionnaires were gathered: Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and Timeline Follow-Back. Blood samples were collected to measure AST, ALT, GGT, MCV, CDT, and thiamine. Results AUD biomarkers, taken individually or in combination, did not indicate that recidivists had more frequent AUD compared to first-time offenders. Also, they failed to significantly differentiate first-time offenders from recidivists or predict recidivism status. Finally, the superiority of biomarkers over psychosocial AUD questionnaires was not supported in the laboratory setting. Conclusion The present findings suggest that biomarkers of chronic patterns of heavy drinking may not be adequate to capture the multiple processes that appear to promote recidivism (e.g., binge drinking, other risky behavioural and personality features). Despite their objectivity, caution is warranted in the interpretation of a positive score on these biomarkers in DWI assessment. Longitudinal research is needed to more comprehensively explore the relationship between positive biomarkers in first-time offenders and their risk of becoming recidivists.

Alcohol and High-Risk Behavior Among Young First-Time Offenders

Underage drinking carries a high risk of injury. An important approach for reducing underage drinking is limiting youth access to alcohol. Underage drinkers obtain alcohol from multiple sources and patterns of access may vary by region. We examined patterns of access to alcohol and alcohol use among youth in a local court-ordered diversion program for first-time adolescent alcohol offenders as a basis for designing and evaluating community prevention efforts. Youth in the program completed a survey of demographic data, type of offense, source, setting, and quantity of alcohol consumed at time of offense, and 1-year alcohol-related high-risk behaviors. Significance was attributed to p < or = 0.05. Completed surveys were obtained from 1,158 (84.8%) of 1,366 eligible participants during the 23-month study period. There were 71% males and 29% females with a mean age of 17.2 years (range, 12-24 years). Respondents were Caucasian (64.5%), Hispanic/Latino (19.9%), Asian (3.5%), African American (2.5%), and others (9.6%). Offenses included minor in possession (55.8%), driving under the influence (21.2%), and drunk in public (20.4%). Consumption at time of offense was one or less drinks in 36.3%, two to five drinks in 31.7%, and 32.0% reported six or more drinks. Social sources of alcohol (got it from someone else) were reported by 72.9% and commercial sources (bought it or took it from a store) were reported in 11.9%. The two most common places of consumption were someone else's home (30.7%) and the beach (14.6%). Multiple 1-year high-risk behaviors were reported and 41.0% drove after drinking or rode with someone else who had been drinking. Binge drinking (5 or more drinks for males; 4 or more drinks for females) was reported by 43.1% of males and 36.7% of females. All high-risk behaviors were more common in binge drinkers (p < 0.001). Drinking and driving or riding with a drinking driver was reported in 54.2% of those who binged. Females who binged reported a higher rate than males in 8 of 10 high-risk behaviors. This study revealed the predominance of social sources of alcohol among young first-time alcohol offenders. Drinking and driving or riding with a drinking driver was reported at an alarmingly high rate. Other alcohol-related high-risk behaviors were also common. Efforts to prevent alcohol-related trauma should target social access to alcohol, the resulting high-risk behaviors, and include a special focus on young females.

Male Soldier Family Violence Offenders: Spouse and Child Offenders Compared to Child Offenders

Army data from 2000 to 2004 were used to compare two groups of married, male, Army soldier, first-time family violence offenders: 760 dual offenders (whose initial incident included both child maltreatment and spouse abuse) and 2,209 single offenders (whose initial incident included only child maltreatment). The majority (81%) of dual offenders perpetrated physical spouse abuse; however, dual offenders were less likely than single offenders to perpetrate physical child abuse (16% vs. 42%) or sexual child abuse (1% vs. 11%), but they were more likely to perpetrate emotional child abuse (45% vs. 12%). These findings may be, at least in part, explained in light of the Army Family Advocacy Program policy, which considers spouse offenders as also being emotional child abuse offenders since children may be traumatized by exposure to spouse abuse.

Taking the Ratio of Differences Seriously: The Multiple Offender and the Standard of Proof, or, Different Strokes for Serial Folks

This paper analyzes the case for utilizing different standards of proof for trying cases involving, respectively, serial offenders and first-time offenders. It argues that, if we expect the standard in a trial to reflect the costs and benefits of the four possible outcomes at trial, then the empirical data leave no room for doubt that the profiles of all four outcomes -- true and false convictions and true and false acquittals -- are strikingly different for serial offenders than for those without prior convictions. Moreover, it is shown how the phenomenon of widespread and prolonged recidivism poses insuperable problems for those who subscribe to a retributionist or just deserts theory of crime and punishment.

The impact of remedial intervention on 3-year recidivism among first-time DUI offenders in Mississippi

This study examines the impact of the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP), a court-mandated intervention program, on 3-year recidivism rates among first-time DUI offenders (i.e. those convicted of a first offense for driving under the influence of alcohol or another drug). It also examines whether a new version of the curriculum that incorporates activities to enhance motivation for change further ameliorates recidivism. Cox proportional hazard regression models are used to compare recidivism rates among DUI offenders who completed MASEP with those who did not complete or who failed to enroll in the program. Recidivism rates were also compared for MASEP participants across time periods during which curriculum revisions were introduced. The hazard of recidivism was lower for individuals who completed the program than for individuals who did not complete or did not enroll in the program. Recidivism rates were further reduced following the introduction of curriculum revisions. Attendance of court-mandated remedial intervention programs lower subsequent DUI arrests and program content is associated with lower rates.

First-time youth offender entrants: more smoke and mirrors

The $50 billion fraud perpetrated by Bernard Madoff worked for years because his New York-based fund appeared virtually to guarantee high returns. As a result his investors failed to probe the legal plausibility of the exercise. The same phenomenon characterises some crime and reconviction statistics. Which is why the outspoken criticism voiced in early December 2008 by Sir Michael Scholar, Head of the UK Statistics Authority, regarding the premature release by the Home Office of ‘selective’ knife crime statistics was so welcome. Back in 2003, Lord Warner, my predecessor as Chairman of the Youth Justice Board (YJB), trumpeted that the re-offending rate (it should have been described as the reconviction rate) for young offenders subject to non-custodial penalties was 22.5 per cent below that predicted. The announcement prompted Tony Blair publicly to congratulate the YJB on its achievement (YJB, 2003). It seemed implausible (at least to me) at the time and arguably the YJB should have questioned the eviden...

Depressive Symptoms, Drinking Consequences, and Motivation to Change in First Time DWI Offenders

Background: Psychological disorders are common among driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) offenders; thus, a DWI arrest may serve as an important opportunity for further screening and subsequent treatment. Objectives: The current study examined the extent to which mild to moderate pretreatment depressive symptoms, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), could predict intervention outcomes in 284 first-time DWI offenders. Methods: Participants were given drinking-related and psychosocial assessments at the beginning and end of a 10-week intervention and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Results: After the intervention and at both follow-ups, all participants reported declines in depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, and negative drinking consequences and higher self-efficacy to avoid high-risk drinking. It was notable, however, that offenders with depressive symptoms reported more drinking-related consequences and lower self-efficacy at all time points, but greater motivation to change their drinking behavior. Conclusions: The findings suggest that offenders with depressive symptoms have more severe symptomatology than nondepressed offenders but may be more amenable to changing their drinking. Scientific Significance: The BDI may be a useful screening tool for determining which offenders are in need of an intervention following a DWI arrest.

Prevention and Intervention Programs for Juvenile Offenders

Over the past decade researchers have identified intervention strategies and program models that reduce delinquency and promote pro-social development. Preventing delinquency, says Peter Greenwood, not only saves young lives from being wasted, but also prevents the onset of adult criminal careers and thus reduces the burden of crime on its victims and on society. It costs states billions of dollars a year to arrest, prosecute, incarcerate, and treat juvenile offenders. Investing in successful delinquency-prevention programs can save taxpayers seven to ten dollars for every dollar invested, primarily in the form of reduced spending on prisons. According to Greenwood, researchers have identified a dozen "proven" delinquency-prevention programs. Another twenty to thirty "promising" programs are still being tested. In his article, Greenwood reviews the methods used to identify the best programs, explains how program success is measured, provides an overview of programs that work, and offers guidance on how jurisdictions can shift toward more evidence-based practices The most successful programs are those that prevent youth from engaging in delinquent behaviors in the first place. Greenwood specifically cites home-visiting programs that target pregnant teens and their at-risk infants and preschool education for at-risk children that includes home visits or work with parents. Successful school-based programs can prevent drug use, delinquency, anti-social behavior, and early school drop-out. Greenwood also discusses community-based programs that can divert first-time offenders from further encounters with the justice system. The most successful community programs emphasize family interactions and provide skills to the adults who supervise and train the child. Progress in implementing effective programs, says Greenwood, is slow. Although more than ten years of solid evidence is now available on evidence-based programs, only about 5 percent of youth who should be eligible participate in these programs. A few states such as Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington have begun implementing evidence-based programs. The challenge is to push these reforms into the mainstream of juvenile justice.

The influence of prior record on moral judgment

Repeat offenders are commonly given more severe sentences than first-time offenders for the same violations. Though this practice makes intuitive sense, the theory behind escalating penalties is disputed in both legal and economic theories. Here we investigate folk intuitions concerning the moral and intentional status of actions performed by people with positive versus negative prior records. We hypothesized that prior record would modulate both moral judgment and mental state reasoning. Subjects first engaged in an economic game with fair (positive prior record) and unfair (negative prior record) competitors and then read descriptions of their competitors’ actions that resulted in either positive or negative outcomes. The descriptions left the competitors’ mental states unstated. We found that subjects judged actions producing negative outcomes as more “intentional” and more “blameworthy” when performed by unfair competitors. Although explicit mental state evaluation was not required, moral judgments in this case were accompanied by increased activation in brain regions associated with mental state reasoning, including predominantly the right temporo-parietal junction (RTPJ). The magnitude of RTPJ activation was correlated with individual subjects’ behavioural responses to unfair play in the game. These results thus provide insight for both legal theory and moral psychology.