SUMMARY

From 2002 through 2006, 17-year-olds were most frequently charged with property crimes, such as theft and burglary. During the period we reviewed, 585 17-year-old offenders were admitted to prison and 10,632 were placed on probation. Fewer than one-half successfully completed their probation, and nearly one-half of those released from prison in 2002 were reincarcerated within three years. Returning 17-year-olds to the juvenile justice system could cost $53.5 to $82.4 million annually.