is it illegal for a 17yr old to date a 14yr old if the act of intercourse is not present?

Question

a 17yr old dating a 14yr old all they do is hold hands and kiss (PG kiss). is it illegal for this to happen?
if so: how can charges be brought against them and what are the consequences for the 17yr old?
if not: how do you know?

are there any specific laws?

New York State

Answer 1

What is legal is that parents have authority over a minor, including who the minor associates with, where they go, etc.
Meaning, they can forbid their child from dating another person, irregardless of age. Don't get wrapped up in the sex/ no sex issue. If the 14 yr old is defying what the parents decide, they have a major issue. Parents probably could get (and enforce) a restraining order, if they were serious enough. Possibly contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
We are talking about the laws in every state, related to parent control. In reality, I don't think there is a teenager in the country who hates this, and wants to argue about it. Are there parents who go overboard on it? I don't doubt that for a second. But, that is their legal right, unless they are harming the child.
IF the 17 yr old continues to dispute them or worse, go behind their back... in their minds, that is all the more reason to be against the relationship.
My 14 yr old was dating a 17 yr old, and the fact was that I thought he was a great guy. Still do. As a mom (and remembering being that age), I still knew that they were playing with fire, even with the best of intentions. Intentions they had. Maturity and self control, they didn't. And now that both are in their 20's, they understand where I was coming from.

Answer 2

Likely its not illegal on its face if no sexual activity is taking place.. But it would prob be pretty easy for the parents of the 14YO to get a restraining order against the 17YO (and neither the 14 or the 17 YO will have anything to say about it.. thats well within parental rights to get a RO) once thats done if the 17YO violates that RO.. then its jail or at the very least Juvi time time.. pretty simple huh?

Laws of age of consent vary widly from state to state.. and dont know them all for sure.. there were times and places not all that long ago that it wouldnt even be illegal for a 17YO to have consentual sex with a 14YO in some states.. most states have raised that age limit over the years.. but I'm not sure which or where or in somecase it may not have changed at all...

You would have to check you specific states age of consent laws.. they are not universal by any means.

Answer 3

As for if there are any specific laws it depends on what state and county they reside in. Most states wouldn't consider it illegal because the older person is not an adult (which is 18 years old). Also if the parents give their permission for them to date then that is all that is needed too. But I say again it depends on the what state and county they live in.

Answer 4

If mom and dad find out the 17 year old could end up in prison NO MATTER if the 14 year old consented to acts or not. Some states would qualify kissing as a sexual act, depending on how the local prosecutor reads the law.

Answer 5

It's not illegal, since 17 is under 18, but once 18, it's not too good, but as long as you don't have sex, you should be ok.

I have read that if you turn 18 and your girlfriend is within 3 years difference in age, they don't bother with it, even though it's illegal.

but every state is different.

Answer 6

check state laws. some you are considered adult @17 but some its 18. doubt its a problem if no dirty deeds happen

Answer 7

Please dont even evaluate relationship him he's lots to youthful (and that i could upload- no longer even criminal) you choose a guy hun no longer a boy- tell him that altho u discover him goodlooking and incredible you basically cant cope with the age subject

Answer 8

No, it is NOT illegal.