Criminal lifestyle is a legal term used to describe a persistent and organised pattern of criminal behaviour exhibited by an individual. It goes beyond a single criminal act and implies a sustained involvement in unlawful activities. The concept is often employed in the context of laws related to the proceeds of crime, asset forfeiture, and sentencing.
Repetitive criminal conduct: Individuals with a criminal lifestyle are typically engaged in a series of criminal activities over an extended period. It's not just about a one-time offence but a recurring pattern.
Course of criminal activity: The term is often used in connection with the idea of a course of criminal conduct, which refers to a sequence or pattern of criminal behaviour rather than isolated incidents.
Financial benefit: In some legal systems, a person may be deemed to have a criminal lifestyle if he has derived a certain level of financial benefit from his unlawful activities. This financial benefit is often a key criterion in identifying individuals with a criminal lifestyle.
Legal implications: Designating someone as having a criminal lifestyle can have legal consequences. For instance, it may impact the sentencing of an individual or influence the procedures related to the confiscation of assets obtained through criminal means.
Legislative definitions: Legal frameworks vary, and the definition of criminal lifestyle can depend on specific statutes and regulations. For example, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, there are specific criteria and conditions that determine when a defendant is considered to have a criminal lifestyle.
Overall, the term "criminal lifestyle" is used to identify and address individuals who are deeply entrenched in criminal activities, often for an extended duration, and whose behaviour may have substantial legal repercussions.
