If it is found that a criminal case involves a youth under the age of 15, the case is closed, and the youth is referred to social authorities, who are exclusively in charge as long as the youth is under 15. Until the age of 20, the social authorities retain powers jointly with the judiciary, which decides which cases to leave to or surrender to the social authorities. If the alleged offender is under 18 years-old, the police report is sent to the social welfare committee. If the infraction is serious, the district attorney will require a statement from the committee about what measures will be taken by the committee if no indictment is made. If the district attorney finds that appropriate measures are being taken, the case will be dropped. If the alleged offender denies committing the offense, it must be prosecuted. If the defendant is found guilty, the sentence may be imprisonment, conditional sentence, probation, or fine. Offenders under 18 are to be sentenced to imprisonment only in exceptional cases. Further, they are not to be put on probation unless this is considered more appropriate than measures of the social welfare committee. When an offense is committed by someone ages 18-21, the offender's risk of being arrested and placed in detention is greater; more cases will go to court; social care can be considered only if it is clearly preferabe to other treatments; and the advice against imprisonment is not as strongly worded as for 15-17 years olds. Attention is also given to incarceration and noninstitutional care as well as collaboration between the police and social authorites. One figure, one table, a note, and 12 references are listed.