What May Cause a Person to Commit Crimes?
Criminogenic needs are factors in a criminal offender’s life that may be directly related to recidivism, or the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend. Developed in the 1980s, the term “criminogenic needs” specifically refers to needs seen as causing criminal behavior, according to the National Council on Crime & Delinquency.
Although criminogenic needs are prone to mislabeling, research has identified six factors that have been deemed related to crime and recidivism. These factors may change in the future, but as of now, they include:
Low self-control: A person who is unable to control their temperament and impulses may be more likely to engage in unplanned activity and may be less likely to think before they act. An offender with low self-control may be more likely to commit drug or sex offenses than an offender with higher self-control, for instance.
Anti-social personality: Personality traits such as insensitivity and cruel disregard for others are perceived as directly related to criminality, especially if they develop in a person’s early teens. Actions accompanying these traits may include running away, skipping school, fighting, possessing weapons, lying, stealing, and damage to animals or property.
Anti-social values: Offenders who isolate themselves from their communities as well as the values and norms of such communities may develop criminal thinking, including criminal rationalization. For instance, individuals with perceived anti-social values may show a lack of remorse and instead, blame others for their behavior. When offenders retreat from their surroundings, they will be less inclined to follow their community’s standards but rather associate with negative influences.
Criminal peers: Hanging out with the “wrong crowd” may increase the likelihood of recidivism. The “wrong crowd” in this context refers to individuals engaged in criminal behavior, such as substance abuse. As such, offenders who associate with people engaged in criminal behavior may feel pressured or persuaded to commit crimes in order to fit in.
Substance abuse: According to research, there is a relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior. This makes sense because illicit controlled substances can alter a person’s brain chemistry and inhibit their ability to live a productive and successful lifestyle.
Dysfunctional family: Among the most common traits of recidivism is the lack of family support, whether it be emotional, financial, academic, or professional, to name some. A person whose family is unable to problem solve or communicate in a healthy way may be negatively impacted because they may lack a positive role model in their family who can teach them good morals and values.
“Broken” families, abuse, neglect, permissiveness, and substance abuse are among the common traits of unhealthy families. As a result, people who commit crimes as a result of their dysfunctional upbringing may do so because of how they were raised.
No Matter How You Ended Up Here, We Have Your Back
At the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed, our Oakland criminal defense lawyer understands that you are innocent until proven guilty, therefore, you can expect to receive the respect, compassion, and dedication you need and deserve. While criminogenic needs are significant components that may increase a person’s likelihood of breaking the law, they should be treated rather than punished.
That’s why we will evaluate your personal background, criminal history, and professional treatment needs to determine whether you could benefit from rehabilitation, counseling, and other types of treatment as an alternative to imprisonment. You can count on us to fiercely negotiate for the best possible outcome in your case.
To get started on your case, please arrange your consultation online or at (510) 907-6600!