recidivist
recidivist (ri-sid-[schwa]-vist), n. One who has been convicted of multiple criminal offenses, usu. similar in nature; a repeat offender (proponents of prison reform argue that prisons don’t cure the recidivist). — Also termed habitual offender; habitual criminal; repeater; career criminal. [Cases: Sentencing and Punishment 1200. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 1638–1639, 1641.]