The aim of this study is to understand the risk factors contributing to juvenile delinquency for young men in Sweden. Previous research shows that juvenile delinquency is a theme that exists in all communities and affects several areas of society such as family relations, social relations, academic achievement as well as individual consequences. In this essay, the focus is on identifying risk factors putting young men at greater risk of committing crimes, but also explaining the underlying causes of why these risk factors exist by using theoretical frameworks such as empowerment and life-span theories. The central point of the essay is thus the question of how and why some young men become criminals? The methods used are a systematic literature study combined with semi structured interviews in order to understand why some young men are more vulnerable than others in committing crime. The interviews consist of statements based on professional experience from four different non-governmental organizations in Sweden working with youths. The results of the study show that the environment these young men grow up in plays a major role for both academic achievement and the development of various personality disorders which can contribute to criminal behavior. The results of the interviews also show that social structures make these young men feel powerless in relation to themselves, school and society. This type of feeling of exclusion on a social and individual level tend to increase the risk of criminal behavior and lifestyle for some young men in Sweden.