What type of offender begins their criminal activity at a very early age and tends to continue into adulthood?

Life course persisters are individuals who demonstrate a consistent pattern of criminal behavior that begins in childhood and extends into adulthood. This category of offenders typically exhibits early signs of delinquency, which may include aggressive behavior, academic issues, and social difficulties. Their criminal behavior tends to be chronic and escalates over time, making them more likely to engage in serious offenses as they grow older.

The concept of life course persistence is grounded in developmental theories of criminology, suggesting that certain individuals are predisposed to a lifelong pattern of offending due to a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Interventions for these offenders often prove challenging because their criminality is ingrained in their identity and life experiences.

In contrast, adolescent-limited offenders are those who engage in criminal activity primarily during their teenage years and often cease these behaviors as they transition into adulthood. Transient offenders are not characterized by a particular pattern and may offend sporadically, while secondary offenders typically refer to individuals who commit crimes secondary to a primary offense or issue, such as addiction. Thus, life course persisters represent a distinct group known for their enduring criminal behavior.