first offender

noun

: one convicted of an offense for the first time

Examples of first offender in a Sentence

Because he was a first offender, he was put on probation rather than sentenced to jail.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The mystery of why she was so swiftly pardoned while other first offenders were sentenced to three weeks in jail is solved by the mysterious Mr. Kim, who is waiting for her outside the station. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2024 Only about roughly 7 percent of declinations are at prosecutors’ discretion, almost all involving would-be first offenders accused of misdemeanor violations, Graves said. Emily Davies, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 However, a first offender for physical contact with an official can be fined $37,232 and a first offender for verbal or other non-physical offense against an official can be fined $29,795. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 16 Dec. 2022 If the legislation becomes law, first offenders could be convicted of a misdemeanor and face up to one year in jail and a fine of more than $6,000. oregonlive, 23 Feb. 2023 See all Example Sentences for first offender 

Word History

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first offender was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near first offender

Cite this Entry

“First offender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20offender. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

first offender

noun
: one convicted of an offense for the first time
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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