Which offense pattern is likely to begin late in adolescence and typically ends as individuals transition into adulthood?

The identified offense pattern that typically begins late in adolescence and ends as individuals transition into adulthood is characterized as adolescent-limited offenders. This group tends to engage in delinquent behavior primarily during their teen years, often influenced by peer pressure and a desire to assert their independence. The key aspect of this pattern is that the delinquency is not entrenched and does not persist into adulthood, which distinguishes these individuals from those who follow a life course persistent pattern or chronic offenders.

Adolescent-limited offenders usually experience a decline in their offending behavior as they mature and assume adult responsibilities, such as education, employment, and family commitments. This transition marks a significant difference from other categories, where offending behaviors may continue even into adulthood due to underlying issues or personality traits. As a result, adolescent-limited offenders are often viewed as engaging in normative, temporary behavior that is part of growing up rather than indicative of a lifelong pattern of criminal behavior.