Is it illegal to have an underaged girlfriend if you are18+?

Question

So if a senior has a girlfriend who is, say, a sophomore, would they have to break up when the senior turns 18?

I'm turning 18 in 2 months, I like this girl who is a sophomore, so does this mean I shouldn't even bother?

In California?

Answer 1

Under California law if she is not 3 years younger than you then you both are on the safe side. Just make sure the numbers are right.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=261-269

261.5. (a) Unlawful sexual intercourse is an act of sexual
intercourse accomplished with a person who is not the spouse of the perpetrator, if the person is a minor. For the purposes of this section, a "minor" is a person under the age of 18 years and an "adult" is a person who is at least 18 years of age.

(b) Any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual
intercourse with a minor who is not more than three years older or three years younger than the perpetrator, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) Any person who engages in an act of unlawful sexual
intercourse with a minor who is more than three years younger than the perpetrator is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one
year, or by imprisonment in the state prison.

(d) Any person 21 years of age or older who engages in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor who is under 16 years of age is guilty of either a misdemeanor or a felony, and shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year, or by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years.

Answer 2

It depends on what your definition of "dating" and the laws of legal consent in the state where your reside.

There are no laws against dating and having a non-physical relationship in any state; however, depending on the State you live in, and if there is anyone who would likely pursue criminal charges, if you are over 18 and the girl is under 18 (again, depending on what state you live in as the law varies from state to state), if you have sex with the girl, you could be charged with Statutory Rape.

As you indicate you reside in California, the age of consent is 18. No sex, but can date, until SHE is 18.

Answer 3

I think that depends on the state you live and the amount of time you have been together. If she is 17 and you turn 18, I don't think there is a problem

Answer 4

That depends largely upon whether you are sexually active. If you are, then certain laws apply, and they are state by state. Many, though, have a limitation that if the age difference is less than two years, then it's not statutory rape. You'll need to check the laws for your state. Go to a YAhoo search and type in 'Statutory Rape' and your state name, and you should find a link in there somewhere that will tell you what you need to know.

Answer 5

Sometimes states will have a 2 year rule or something like that which means an 18 year old won't get busted for dating a 16 year old...but a 21 year old definitely would get busted.

Answer 6

as long as no sex is involved, all is legal. In Wisconsin I just read in the paper a guy got a years probation for being 17 having consensual sex with his 15 year old girlfriend.!!! Sounds a bit extreme to me.

Answer 7

depends on the state and the parents of the girl

Answer 8

If the police spent their time chasing seniors who were dating sophomores, they wouldn't have time for anything else. Don't piss off her parents and don't get her pregnant.

Answer 9

You can be boyfriend and girlfriend, but in most states, sex is off limits. You can be charged with having sex with a minor, which makes you a sex offender. Be very careful.

Answer 10

that is very potentially, a hot water situation.

better be willing to be on your best behavior until she is 18.