A review of the evidence shows continuity in offending between adolescence and adulthood and continuity between prepubertal conduct problems and later offending. Three developmental processes of offending include activation, aggravation, and desistance. Activation refers to the way the development of criminal activities, once begun, is stimulated and the way its continuity, frequency, and diversity is assured. Aggravation refers to the existence of a developmental sequence of diverse forms of delinquent activities that escalate or increase in seriousness over time. Desistance involves a reduction in the frequency, variety, and seriousness of offending. A variety of documentation indicates that developmental sequences can be identified for conduct problems, substance use, and delinquency, and quantitative and qualitative changes can occur in the course of offending. Understanding developmental processes provides insights into the formulation of strategies for longitudinal studies. The examination of developmental processes as youth grow older, such as increases in physical strength and motor skills, the emergence of personality traits, sexual maturation, and greater opportunities for crime commission, provides important contextual information for studies of offending. Developmental theories have direct implications for the prevention of offending and treatment of offenders. 6 tables, 4 figures, 285 references. (Author abstract modified)