This study examined the relationship between mental health indicators and adjudication rates among youth with serious emotional disturbances. The study found: 1) Youth with conduct disorder or substance use disorders had higher rates of prior misdemeanor and felony adjudications compared to youth with other disorders like anxiety or ADHD. 2) Youth referred for delinquency or conduct-related issues had higher misdemeanor rates while those referred for suicide, hyperactivity, adjustment, or depression had lower rates. 3) Youth with lower global functioning (bottom 16% of sample) had higher misdemeanor and felony adjudication rates. 4) Over 44% of youth with an adjudication history had a primary diagnosis other than