Which of the following behaviors may result in an enhanced penalty?

Habitual criminality refers to a pattern of repeated criminal behavior by an individual, indicating a disregard for the law and society's rules. When a person has multiple previous convictions, especially for serious offenses, the legal system often imposes harsher penalties as a means of deterrence. This is because habitual offenders are viewed as more dangerous or likely to re-offend, thus judges and lawmakers aim to impose sentences that reflect the severity of ongoing criminal behavior and emphasize the need for accountability.

In contrast, being late to court typically does not rise to a level that would warrant an enhanced penalty; it may result in personal consequences, such as a contempt citation, but it does not reflect criminal behavior. Taking a plea deal often leads to lesser penalties as part of a negotiation where the defendant accepts responsibility for a charge, typically resulting in a mitigated sentence. Lastly, driving without a license is a criminal offense, but it typically does not incur an enhanced penalty unless tied to habitual offenses or aggravating circumstances, such as prior convictions for similar acts.