first offender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Defence solicitor advocate Iain Paterson told the court his client was a first offender.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2024

That means anyone convicted must serve their entire sentence, can’t be sentenced to probation as a first offender and can’t be paroled unless they have served at least 30 years in prison.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2023

Paul Hodgkins, a Florida man, was the first offender to be sentenced when he received eight months in prison in July for obstructing an official proceeding.

From Fox News • Sep. 3, 2021

"Top Chef" isn't the first offender when it comes to poor vetting and possible casting mistakes like this.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2021

Without exception, in cases I have tried, certain wholesome-minded jurors have said after concluding the case, that the penalty was too light for the first offender.

From Fighting the Traffic in Young Girls or, War on the White Slave Trade by Bell, Ernest A. (Ernest Albert)