I have a friend in Texas and he invited a long time friend (who is 17) that he met over the internet to his hotel. She went willingly as they were talking about this for a long time. However, this was done without the consent of the parents. Now the parents are threatening to file charges against him, but what law did he break? I'd like to help him out here...was it enticement of a minor? Any help appreciated, thanks.
2007-01-09 12:55:52 · 4 answers · asked by ownera 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
You have nothing to worry about... I mean, your FRIEND has nothing to worry about: the age of consent in the state of Texas is 17 for both males and females.
However (and you knew there would be a "however"), you never said where the 17-year-old long-time friend was from. In her state, she may not be old enough to consent (North Dakota and Oregon, for example, where age of consent is 18). You—I mean, your friend—may or may not be in trouble for trying to "get around" the law by bringing a 17-year-old from Oregon, for example, to Texas for the purpose of, well, "doing" her.
Then there's the whole "close in age" exception: a lawyer for the accused may ask the court to drop the charges like they were hot because of the close age of the participants, or there can be an actual close in age exemption in the law negating any charges. The latter details acceptable age ranges for consensual sex between peers that otherwise would not be legal because one or both of the participants would be below the age of consent. For example, in Colorado, the age of consent for males is 17, yet it's 15 for females; the close in age exception may or may not apply here.
If your, ahem, "friend" is unsure about the age of consent laws in his state, then it's a good idea for him to seek clarification from his state government, as laws change all the time.
Better yet, since you'd "like to help him out here" instead of him helping himself to something else besides his 17-year-old female friend, go ask a lawyer (for him, of course): the key term here is "free consultation."
2007-01-09 13:55:23 · answer #1 · answered by Big D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my criminal law class that i just finished last semester we were told that 17 is of legal age. I live in Michigan so im not sure in texas...but i am sure that 17 covers ur state too...good luck!!
2007-01-09 13:03:44 · answer #2 · answered by repodana 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Enticement of a minor and if they had sex statutory rape.
2007-01-09 13:07:30 · answer #3 · answered by robedzombiesoul 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did they have sex? if they did then it's called statutory rape and he can go to prison for it. if they didn't he more then likely will get sexual assault charges brought agaisnt him if he gets the charged pressed agaisnt him.
hopeitworkouts. :]
2007-01-09 13:04:26 · answer #4 · answered by Kimberly 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋