Letters from and interviews with twenty-one children and teenagers who broke the law reveal what it is like to be arrested, attend legal proceedings, and be held accountable for one's actions.

Marcus-age 14-shoplifting -- Natalie-age 15-possession of alcohol -- Philip-age 9-assault -- Joshua-age 16-truancy -- Olivia-age 13-theft (auto) -- Sean-age 16-misconduct with a weapon -- Starlett-age 14-violation of probation -- Jerry-age 13-burglary and theft -- Erica-age 15-assault and possession of drug paraphernalia -- Charles-age 14-possession of narcotics and misconduct with a weapon -- Ashley-age 14-possession of marijuana -- Brianne-age 16-theft (credit card) and forgery -- Samantha-age 14-theft (cab fare) -- Jennifer-age 14-burglary -- Adelina-age 11-robbery -- Andrew-age 17-domestic violence -- Carla-age 15-disorderly conduct and criminal damage -- Adam-age 15-threatening and school interference -- Brandon-age 14-burglary -- Tanya-age 14-shoplifting -- Ronald-age 16-possession of alcohol.