Legal Definitions - recidivate

The term recidivate refers to the act of returning to criminal behavior after having previously been convicted of a crime, and often, after having served a sentence or undergone rehabilitation. It describes a relapse into unlawful conduct.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Property Crime

  After serving a two-year prison sentence for burglary, John is released on parole. Within a year, he is arrested again for breaking into a commercial building. John's second arrest for a similar offense demonstrates that he has recidivated, meaning he returned to a pattern of criminal behavior after his previous conviction and incarceration.

• Example 2: Drug-Related Offense

  Maria was convicted of drug possession and completed a court-ordered drug treatment program, along with a period of probation. Eighteen months after successfully finishing her probation, she is found to be manufacturing illegal substances. Maria's re-engagement in drug-related criminal activity, despite her previous conviction and rehabilitation efforts, illustrates that she has recidivated.

• Example 3: Traffic Offense

  David received a significant fine and a license suspension for reckless driving. A few months after his license was reinstated, he is pulled over and cited for driving at excessive speeds and performing dangerous maneuvers on a public road. David's repeated dangerous driving behavior, following his previous conviction for a similar offense, shows that he has recidivated into unlawful traffic conduct.