Can my much older boyfriend get in trouble because I'm only 17?

Question

I PREVIOULY POSTED A QUESTION ON HOW I SHOULD TELL MY MOTHER IM PREGNANT SINCE I'M ONLY 17 AND THANKS EVEYONE THAT ANSWERED MY QUESTIONS, BUT A CONCERNED STILL REMAINS THAT SINCE HE IS MUCH OLDER IF MY PARENTS GET CRAZY ON ME BECAUSE I'M PREGNANT CAN THEY PLACE CHARGES ON HIM. I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS, THIS IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE REASONS I DONT KNOW HOW TO TELL HER THAT I am pregnant.

i live in new york

Answer 1

That depends on where you live! Laws vary by country to country, and state to state.
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UPDATE: CONGRATULATIONS! Age of consent in New York is 17. He cannot be charged. Good luck to you! :-)

Here's the actual law. Note subsection 2:

§ 130.25 Rape in the third degree.

A person is guilty of rape in the third degree when:

1. He or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person who is incapable of consent by reason of some factor other than being less than seventeen years old;

2. Being twenty-one years old or more, he or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person less than seventeen years old; or

3. He or she engages in sexual intercourse with another person without such person's consent where such lack of consent is by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

Rape in the third degree is a class E felony.

Answer 2

I think it would help if we knew how old he is. In some states 17 is considered adult (like in TX). I am not sure about New York. But if your state considered 17 an adult you parents will not be able to file charges.

There are 2 things I want to say...first your parents will not be happy. That is to be expected. Have they even met your boyfriend? Your parents also need to know that by pressing charges on him they are taking their grandchild's father away for a LONG time. I am not just talking about a few months in prison, after that he will not be able to see his child alone, EVER. He will have to register as a sex offender (which he is). This will mean he cannot be around children under the age of 18. This would mean he can't go to his child's sports games, school field trips, and many other popular places for children such as parks and zoos. That is something they need to think about before any charges are brought against him.

2 even if they don't press charges they can still file a restraining order against him. You are still 17 (again check state laws) and in most states you are still a child which means if he is caught anywhere near you, pregnant with his child or not, he can be put in jail.

I myself dating my husband (my one and only boyfriend as well) when I was 16...he was 25. I grew up really fast and was very mature for my age. We went on casual dates and dinners. We not once had sexual contact other than kissing (no fondling etc). Until we were engaged when I was 18 1/2. We knew the risks that we would not only put him in but our relationship if we did something so intimate. It was SO worth the wait. Everything meant so much more to us. I think teenagers (mind you I am only 21) try to grow up too fast. When you try to do adult things what do you have to look forward to when you are 21? wait..I know...a reduction in your car insurance...great thing to look forward to.

Yes you can't take back what you have done now. I absolutely give you major kudos for embracing this unborn child. Not many will in your situation. Most cop out and murder their defenseless bundles of joy. I can't tell you how many women on her will give you SO much credit for that and will stand behind you. They may not agree with your age but they understand in our generation abortions are a dime a dozen. Ignore the idiots.

Good luck babe.

Answer 3

In most states you are legal and your parents can not press charges you are old enough to consent to a relationship with an adult. However, you should probably have a serious conversation with your parents about your decision about the status of your pregnancy. Are you going to terminate, consider adoption or keep the baby? What are your plans with your much "older" boyfriend are you going to commit? Marry? You have some serious decisions to make as you are now acting like an adult. So grow up and make the right decision for that unborn child.

Answer 4

when do u turn 18? You will have to check and see if it is 17 or 18 that you become an adult in your state. I was in your place but I moved out at 17 ( parents disapproved ) and he was19 at the time. They called the police and I got sent back to my parents. They said that if I am 17 and STILL IN SCHOOL ( not graduated yet...not meaning drop out) then I am still a minor. I got in a fast track program and graduated in 1 month ( my senior year) and I was back with him and now we are married and have a child and my family and I and him are fine. SO things will work out!!

Answer 5

If he's 18 or older, yes, charges can be brought. It's called statutory rape since you are not old enough to consent to sex.

Good luck girly. You should have thought things out before you got pregnant!

Answer 6

well i guess it just depends on your state rules, cause some parents get really angry at the boyfriend and file charges. i know that isn't what you want to hear but i would look into it and do some research to at least get familiar with the age limits in your state. i hope this help you. congrats and good luck with everything!

Answer 7

Yes, your parents can place charges on him. It depends on the laws that you have in your state. But if you are okay with him being the daddy, I suggest you keep this information on the down-low.

Answer 8

In most states the "age of consent" is 16... so legally probably not. If he coerced you or forced you sexually... you could have a case against him regardless of your age.
Now for the parents, Sweetheart...take a deep breath and tell them. besides you'll be showing soon anyway!
Yeah..okay they may get upset... but I give odds that they still love you and most likely will do all they can to help.
My daughter told me the very same thing.. we now have a wonderful Grandson and I wouldn't change a thing. Yes it was hard to accept but it did not change my love for her

Answer 9

Wow, you and me hav the same life, im 17 and my fiance is 26...and im 6 months pregnant with a baby girl. all i hav to say is stick in there and if you get married to him and your mom presses charges, then she will be pressing charges against you too. i dont think that she will do that

Answer 10

maybe, in arkansas he wouldnt get in trouble. but up there dont know. i was in the same spot. i was 17 with a guy older than me. my parents are cool with it and were getting married in march.