Which of the following are considered aggravating factors in a criminal offense?

The use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime is considered an aggravating factor because it significantly increases the potential harm to the victim and the seriousness of the offense. It reflects a higher level of intent to cause fear or injury and can lead to more severe penalties upon conviction. The presence of a deadly weapon in a criminal act can lead the court to view the offender's actions as more egregious, warranting harsher sentencing.

In contrast, factors such as the victim's age or the type of property involved may inform the context of the crime but do not inherently indicate a greater degree of culpability in the same way that using a deadly weapon does. Lack of prior convictions typically serves as a mitigating factor, suggesting that the offender may not pose an ongoing threat to society, and thus does not contribute to the elevating nature of the offense.