Age of consent/Runaway laws?

Question

Ok heres my situation..my girlfriend is 17 years old. I am 21 years old. Her parents have decided thats too much of an age difference which I think is a bit ridiculous. So we were wondering, if it comes down to it, can they charge me with anything as far as like statutory rape or can they make her come home if she were to decide to stay here without their permission? This is in maine. Basically Im wondering what exactly the police can do about it, or if they cant do anything? Thanks =)

Answer 1

Yes, they can. Your girlfriend is a minor. They can charge you for statutory rape, contributing to delinquency of a minor, kidnapping, etc.

Your best bet is to wait until she is 18. Then, she is free to do what she wishes. (check your local law please - to be sure)

I don't believe your age difference is a problem. I do have a problem where you are an adult, and your girlfriend is a minor. 18 is barely old enough to make a decision, let alone a wise one. One less is that much more premature.

Think carefully before you act. Going through with what you propose will destroy your girlfriends relationship to her parents. Legal or otherwise, it will have an irreversible effect on her life.

Answer 2

They can't charge you with statutory rape Maines age of consent is 16. And as far as being a runaway there is nothing the police can do UNLESS the runaway is under court orders to be somewhere. So as long as she hasn't had any problems with the law then she'll be fine staying there.

Answer 3

It depends what state your in, in the state of Texas the age for consent is 17 and unless they can prove in court that your g.f is unable to make sound decisions for herself then you should be OK as far as being charged with statutory rape. Another choice is getting married, but again it all depends in what state you are

Answer 4

Such an age difference will probably not be a big deal once you two have been together for a little while, but right now, the law is on her parent's side.

Anywhere in the US, anyone under the age of eighteen who has any kind of sex with anyone three or more years older than her is considered a rape victim. If you do it. it's a crime.

However, once a girl reaches her eighteenth birthday, it is perfectly legal for anyone of any age to engage in private and consensual sex with her anywhere in the US.

People under the age of eighteen are considered minors, and are generally under custody of their parents, or guardians until they turn eighteen. Anyone under someone else's custody but not living with those people is considered to be a kidnapping victim in the eyes of the law.

In many states, a minor can have herself "emancipated" under certain circumstances. If the minor has been capable of living on her own, holding down a job, paying rent, and such for a certain amount of time without outside assistance, this usually qualifies... but in many cases, she has to have been doing this for several months to a year.

In some conditions, if the minor can prove that her parents do not have her best interest in heart she can also become emancipated, but this is generally reserved for instances where the minor's money-making ability outstrips the parent's income, and the parents are trying to live off of their child's income. Occasionally, instances of child abuse will serve this function, but in general such a minor gets sent to CPS, and is assigned a foster parent.

Sorry to say it, but I believe the safest route would be to wait for her eighteenth birthday, after which she has every legal right to leave and move in with you.

Answer 5

Age of Consent for Sex in Maine - 16

Runaways cannot be arrested or taken into custody in Maine.

Far as I can tell, law can't touch you.