Delinquent Behavior

Minimal Delinquent Behavior

Expressions activating this band contain little clear evidence of a stable pattern of rule-breaking and may only reference isolated offenses or legal wrongdoing in a fragmentary way. The content suggests the floor of delinquent conduct rather than a developed behavioral style.

Low Delinquent Behavior

Expressions activating this band describe concrete acts of theft, burglary, robbery, or other criminal activity, usually as specific incidents or offense-related details. The conduct is overtly unlawful but presented more as discrete acts than as a pervasive rebellious style.

Moderate Delinquent Behavior

Expressions activating this band reflect a broader pattern of misconduct marked by arguing, impulsive action, social trouble, risk taking, stealing, or destructive acts such as fire-setting. The behavior appears as recurring disregard for rules and consequences across everyday situations.

High Delinquent Behavior

Expressions activating this band portray persistent disruptive and impulsive misconduct, including fighting, bullying, truancy, troublesome behavior, and dangerous acts done without checking or thinking ahead. The pattern is socially visible and regularly creates conflict with peers, teachers, or other authority figures.

Severe Delinquent Behavior

Expressions activating this band center on entrenched rebelliousness and repeated trouble-making, especially habitual truancy, indifference to getting into trouble, and behavior likely to draw disciplinary or police attention. The conduct is experienced as a sustained delinquent pattern rather than occasional misbehavior.

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Sentence counts by range

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Anchor definitions