Didn't know where to post this.....?

Question

Couldn't find the law enforcement section. So i decided to post where I am most aquainted with.

When you know someone is having a physical relationship with a minor how do you go about going to the police. Does this include kissing and stuff w/out getting in bed w/each other? Do you have to have witnesses/evidence?

He is 17 (which is still a minor) and she is 19.

Answer 1

Age of consent varies from state to state. The table at the web site listed below (which I found from a link on Wikipedia) shows only 10 states having the age of consent at 18. The rest are lower. Quoting from that site:

"In all states, dating, hugging, holding hands and kissing are not illegal. In some states, fondling, groping through the clothes or other such things known as "3rd base" is illegal."

I don't know how accurate the stats are at that site.

Answer 2

In a number of jurisdictions, even having sex with someone under the age of consent is a lesser offense or not a crime at all when the age difference is only two years.

For this much less serious case--17 is way over the age of consent most places--*unless* there is fraud or real abuse involved, I can't believe you'll ever get the police involved, no matter how much evidence you have. In fact, unless you're responsible for raising the 17yo boy, I don't see that you have any rights in the situation--other than any friend's right to object to what they consider wrong.

P.S. You'd probably get more informed answers at
Politics & Government > Law Enforcement & Police

Answer 3

Here's the deal: it isn't statutory rape if no body's actually having real sex. Kissing and petting don't count. 19 year olds are allowed to date 17 year olds and it's perfectly legal and perfectly moral. It's the sex, and that means real copulation, or actual fornication, that makes such relationships criminal.

Usually, it's the parents of an underage girl who press charges against her older boyfriend. Although it is technically still illegal, I've never heard of a 19 year old girl being prosecuted for having sex with a 17 year old boy. (If I'd been so lucky, my father would've actually been bragging to his friends about what a stud I was!) The statutory rape laws were generally intended to protect innocent young girls from being preyed upon by older men.

Now, lets talk about you. Why are you want to make so much trouble for this teenage couple. Do you have a crush on the boy and you're upset because he prefers a girl who likes to kiss and pet? Do you have any idea how much unnecessary trouble you could create for both of them? Do you have any idea of the social consequences of being a snitch? No boy would ever want to risk getting involved with you if you did such a stupid thing. Think girl, think! I strongly suggest you mind your own business.

Answer 4

You could call the non-emergency police number for guidance, or report to CPS. In my state, though, that relationship would be legal. The age difference has to be greater than three years here. Besides, in some states a seventeen year old would not be considered a minor. That may not be the case where you live, though, and if you are concerned, then it may be a good idea to report.

Answer 5

Honestly... he doesn't sound like a minor to me. Where I am from 16 and under are considered minors in the relationship department. When I was 17 I dated a 20 year old, and nothing was done. I wouldn't do anything, unless he feel violated or hurt by the girl. If they are having sex, find out if she forced him, if so, she could be charged with stachatory rape, if not, nothing can be done. Also, if nothing sexual is going on, except for making out and stuff, nothing can be done.

Answer 6

What is the real issue here? I feel like you've got an angst or something....

Maybe you should understand there is a lot worse out there than a guy one year from being an adult sleeping with an older woman.

Have you ever heard of CLEO? Maybe you should look up what kind of perverts they try to track down and throw in jail.
maybe then you'll understand the true intention of that law...

Answer 7

Well if the kissing is done in a romantic or sexual way it is. If they are not having sex or anything I would just drop it. He is 17 and she is 19 just a 2 year age difference, it's not like he is 15 and she is 28. Now that would be wrong!!

Answer 8

Shot gun wedding. Yee haw..... Seriously, at 17, and being a boy, they won't bother and will think it's consentual. Afterall, what guy at that age is going to say no to an easy lay? Be real. Be the grown up and let him have his fling with Miss Thing cause the chances are she won't get his ring.
Are we jealous? Did you like him first or did she steal him from you? Could it be a you lost a bet thing?
No matter what the deal is, leave it alone. Go get some ice cream and find yourself someone who isn't going to jump on the easiest tail that shakes in his face. He doesn't deserve you.

Answer 9

A 19 year old kissing a 17 year old is illegal in 48 states. There are severe penalties associated with this kind of act.

Hopefully they are in one of the two states where this is legal.

I'm 39 and I'm still afraid to kiss someone under the age of 40.

Answer 10

I would call the police station and tell them what you know if you are really concerned. They will be able to tell you what kind of proof or evidence you need to have to pursue it further.
While technically, yes he is still a minor, if he is 17 and she is 19 and all they are doing is kissing I don't think there is much harm in that.