Can a 16 year old date a 14 year old in michigan?

Question

Im 16 and she is 14 turning 15 in april, and today my counselor approached me and said that the age of consent law forbids me from dating someone who isnt 16 also. I looked at the michigan age of consent laws and all i see it forbidding me from is having sex. Which we arent looking to do but my question is is it legal for us to just date as long as nothing sexual happens?

Answer 1

Actually, it's up to her parents. She is the one whose age protects her the most.

And also remember, if you have sex before she is 16, you can be charged with statutory rape, even tho she consented (her consent doesn't count), and you'll likely be labeled a sex offender the rest of your life.

** Note: This answer has not created an attorney-client relationship. This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **

Answer 2

I'm not aware of Michigan laws, as I live and work in Wisconsin; however, in Wisconsin there is no law that prohibits "dating" between minors. The "age of consent," contrary to what some may believe, does not indicate the age at which a minor can consent to engaging in sexual intercourse. In Wisconsin the age of consent is 16, but that does not mean that a sixteen-year-old female can legally consent to engaging in sexual intercourse. I'm aware of a number of young men who have been prosecuted for having sex with 16 and 17-year-old females. The age of consent indicates the age at which a minor can legally consent to certain things: entering into certain "contracts," such as obtaining work permits and working, and, yes, I suppose, in some respects, consenting to date another individual; it is an earmark of adolscence that is supposed to indicate young adulthood. Beware, however, that under no circumstances can anyone under the age of 18 engage in any type of sexual activity legally, no matter if both parties are minors, be it feeling each other's genitalia or sexual intercourse. In the circumstance where both parties are minors, at least in Wisconsin, the older party will be charged, as the older party bears the burden of taking into account the younger party's best interests.

In that vein, sexual experimentation between minors has always been a given and is perfectly normal, at least it was when I was a kid, and I believe it still is. However, what we need to understand right now is that it is not legal, and presently, more than ever before, we are seeing more and more minors prosectued for Sexual Assault throughout the United States. You can certainly be prosecuted for even touching her genitalia or even her buttocks with your hand, let alone if you two experiment and have sexual intercourse, and you most certainly could find yourself a registered sex offender. It has happened in Wisconsin on more than a few occassions, as well as in other states. It's in the news everyday.

I think what your counselor was warning you against was just that, and your counselor's point was that the girl is young. The age of consent issue: Your counselor was probably hinting that this child lacks the ability, by statute at least, to enter into any kind of agreement, even to date another individual, and I believe he or she was simply looking out for both of your best interests.

I agree with what some of the others have said: Make sure both sets of parents are on board with the dating relationship, and abstain from sexual activity not only to avoid pregnancy, but to avoid legal problems. In the field I work in, I can tell you, men who are registered sex offenders or even have misdemeanor sex offenses on their records have a tremendously difficult time going to college, finding employment, even finding a place to live these days what with residency restrictions. I know it's much easier said than done, and it may seem ridiculously stupid, but regarding sexual issues, which you state you're not interested in anyway, you should really listen to your elders on this one.

Alex

Answer 3

There is no age limit on "dating" anyone. Having sexual intercourse may be a different matter. Her age is one consideration, but yours is also. I was once a 16 year old boy, myself, so I know it is useless to tell you that you should put off having sex until you and she are older. But, 15 is just too young for a girl to be having sex.

If you do, be very careful, healthwise, pregnancy-wise and emotionally-wise.

I have a 15 year old daughter and if some boy did something to hurt her - well, lets just say that all my liberal, pacifist tendencies would go right out the window.

Answer 4

Minors cannot date and have sex in Michigan under the laws.

Answer 5

I'd say it was up to your parents.
Sounds like a busy body counselor.
Stay in school, and don't have any babies till you get outta college. Things are easier that way. Not impossible, but easier.

Answer 6

sounds to me like someone needs to keep an eye on the counselor... you know what is going on lately with these teachers and counselors with their students...

Answer 7

It is perfectly legal, just keep it in your pants and thats good overall advice.