The sample included black, Anglo, and Hispanic males and females. Defendant's age, prior record, offense seriousness, and use of a weapon were controlled statistically. Although few differences were found among the groups concerning the reasons charges were rejected, significant ethnic and gender differences were found in the decision to prosecute. Hispanic males were most likely to be prosecuted, followed by black males, Anglo males, and females of all ethnic groups. Ethnic differences were apparent only at the rejection stage (i.e., before the defendant was charged), while gender differences were apparent at both the rejection and the dismissal stage. 2 tables and 45 references.