What factor indicates that intellectually disabled offenders tend to have fewer convictions?

The assertion that intellectually disabled offenders tend to have fewer convictions is best supported by the understanding of risk assessment scores. When individuals undergo risk assessments, those with higher scores typically indicate a greater likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior or reoffending. On the other hand, intellectually disabled offenders often score lower on these assessments due to challenges in planning, decision-making, and understanding social norms, which contribute to their tendency to commit fewer crimes.

Additionally, while family support, opportunity for crime, and intelligence levels may impact an individual's likelihood of offending, they do not directly correlate with the patterns observed in intellectually disabled offenders as reliably as the results from risk assessments. The context of lower risk assessment scores provides a clearer insight into how their cognitive challenges and inability to navigate criminal environments effectively result in reduced rates of conviction. This creates a comprehensive understanding of the unique dynamics at play regarding intellectually disabled offenders and their interaction with the criminal justice system.