Data on convictions and sentencing are divided into the main categories of nontraffic offenses and traffic offenses. The nontraffic offenses are distinguished as violent offenses, other offenses against the person, property offenses, drug offenses, offenses against the administration of justice, and offenses against good order. Traffic offenses are distinguished as offenses causing death, offenses causing injury, offenses that involved excess alcohol, the offense of driving under a license suspension, and other traffic offenses. Data are provided on cases discharged without conviction. The age, sex, and ethnicity of persons discharged are noted. Overall, the report indicates that the number of convictions increased in the early part of the decade, then stabilized, and may now be decreasing. There is also evidence that cases that resulted in a conviction became, on average, more serious over the decade; this is reflected in sentencing. The number of custodial sentences has increased, and these sentences have become longer. There has also been a significant increase in the use of periodic detention and the number of cases that involved fines has decreased. 68 tables, 5 figures, and 11 references