1. Having the character of a crime; in the nature of a crime ( criminal mischief).
2. Connected with the administration of penal justice ( the criminal courts).
criminal, n.
1. One who has committed a criminal offense.
2. One who has been convicted of a crime.
dangerous criminal. A criminal who has either committed a violent crime or used force in trying to escape from custody.
episodic criminal.
1. A person who commits crimes sporadically.
2. A person who commits crimes only during periods of intense stress, as in the heat of passion.
habitual criminal. See RECIDIVIST.
state criminal.
1. A person who has committed a crime against the state (such as treason); a political criminal.
2. A person who has committed a crime under state law.
