first offense; first-time offender
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to commit an offense for the first time; to make a first mistake
formalRefers to the act of committing a crime, error, or violation for the very first time. Often used in legal or disciplinary contexts to imply a degree of leniency.
Considering it was his first offense, the company decided to issue a warning.
He was caught drunk driving, but because it was his first offense, he received a lighter punishment.
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For this rule, first-time violators can be dealt with leniently.
noun
first-time offender; person convicted for the first time
formalA legal term for an individual who has been sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment or a heavier penalty for their first criminal conviction.
This first-time offender behaved well in prison and received a sentence reduction.
The judicial system sometimes adopts corrective measures focusing more on education for first-time offenders.
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Compared to repeat offenders, first-time offenders generally pose a lower social harm and recidivism risk.