The phrase "habitual criminal" refers to someone who frequently or repeatedly engages in criminal activities. It implies that the person has a consistent pattern of breaking the law. Full definition
Special Rule of Procedure for the Modification of Sentence for Habitual Criminal Offenders. (courts.delaware.gov)
Effective April 23, 2017 Administrative Directive No. 2017 - 5 Relating to the Modification of Sentences for Habitual Criminal Offenders (Amending Special Rule of Procedure 2017 - 1). (courts.delaware.gov)
It would seem apparent to any intelligent lay observer that there are broadly three categories of prisoner: The first time offender, who can be saved with the necessary resources, the social misfit who ends up in prison often because there is nowhere else for him or her to go and the perpetual and habitual criminal who spends a lifetime in an out of prison. (politics.co.uk)