The analysis focused on offenses receiving a harsher sanction than fines. The analysis also considered only the most serious offense in cases in which the conviction rested on two or more offenses. Results showed that about 6 percent of each cohort were convicted of their first serious offense before age 22. Theft was the most common offense. In addition, about 0.5 percent of each cohort were convicted for drug offenses at some point; this percentage is declining. Furthermore, just over 60 percent of those convicted were convicted only once. Findings showed that youthful offending and entry into criminal careers appears to be fairly independent of day-to-day politics, short-term changes in the general societal environment, and criminal justice policies. Moreover, the evidence does not support the widespread view that increases in drug abuse justifies harsher measures and indicates instead that socially vulnerable and marginalized groups have shifted from criminality and alcohol abuse to alcohol and other drug abuse together with even more criminality. Figures, tables, and reference notes