Question about age of consent law?

Question

If Texas, the age of consent is 17, only if the actor is no more than 3 years older.

Question: Can the parents of a (then) 17 year old girl, file statutory rape charges against a male who was 4 years older than her, after that girl has turned 18? Could they do anything about previous sexual involvment if she is now of legal age (even if they never decided to do anything about it before, except keep them apart) ...

Additional Details: If they had to have proof, they have a journal of hers that states that she had slept with this guy. Could they use this against the male to get him in trouble if the girl is now 18?

He was aware of the consent age being 17, but was unaware of the 3 year rule. Worried that they might not like him hanging out with her, even if she is of age now. Could he get in trouble for earlier involvement if they wanted?

Answer 1

If the girl is now an adult, the parents cannot do anything in court on her behalf.

Answer 2

In law the only thing that the parents of an underage girl can do is make a police report. Contrary to popular myth, no-one but the authorities 'press charges' in criminal issues.

In practice, can you imagine the conversation at the local police station?
"Officer, I have an adult daughter, but when she was 17 she had sex with her 21 year old boyfriend and we'd like to file a police report"
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but we don't have any pencils at the moment, can you come back when the hardwood forests have regrown?"

Richard

Answer 3

Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse. (i.e. It doesn't matter if you "know" about the law or not - that's what the judge will tell you.)

I seriously doubt that they are going to care if you are hanging around now or not, unless she lives with her parents. If they didn't press the issue then, they probably won't now, but I would sure as hell keep a low profile. You sure don't want to piss them off.