Last Updated: August 6, 2024
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What You Need to Know About Romeo and Juliet Laws
In the United States, close-in-age exemptions allow a person to have consensual sexual relations with a minor if the other person is not more than a given number of years older, typically less than 4 years. However, these laws vary from state to state. These laws are classified as close-in-age exemption laws, also known as Romeo and Juliet laws.
Romeo and Juliet Laws by State (as of 2022)
| State | Age of Consent | Romeo and Juliet Law |
| Alabama | 16 years | 2 years age difference |
| Alaska | 16 years | 3 years age difference |
| Arizona | 18 years | 2 years age difference |
| Arkansas | 16 years | 3 years or more |
| California | 18 years | None |
| Colorado | 17 years | 4 years difference |
| Connecticut | 16 years | 2 years difference |
| Delaware | 18 years | None |
| District of Columbia (D.C.) | 16 years | None |
| Florida | 18 years | Minors older than 16 may engage in consensual sexual intercourse with a partner no older than 23 |
| Georgia | 16 years | None |
| Hawaii | 16 years | 5 years difference |
| Idaho | 18 years | None |
| Illinois | 17 years | None |
| Indiana | 16 years | None |
| Iowa | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| Kansas | 16 years | None |
| Kentucky | 16 years | None |
| Louisiana | 17 years | 3 years difference |
| Maine | 16 years | 5 years difference |
| Maryland | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| Massachusetts | 16 years | None |
| Michigan | 16 years | None |
| Minnesota | 16 years | 2 years difference |
| Mississippi | 16 years | 2 years difference |
| Missouri | 17 years | None |
| Montana | 16 years | None |
| Nebraska | 16 years | None |
| Nevada | 16 years | None |
| New Hampshire | 16 years | None |
| New Jersey | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| New Mexico | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| New York | 17 years | None |
| North Carolina | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| North Dakota | 18 years | None |
| Ohio | 16 years | None |
| Oklahoma | 16 years | None |
| Oregon | 18 years | 3 years difference |
| Pennsylvania | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| Rhode Island | 16 years | None |
| South Carolina | 16 years | None |
| South Dakota | 16 years | 3 years difference |
| Tennessee | 18 years | 4 years difference |
| Texas | 17 years | 3 years difference |
| Utah | 18 years | 10 years difference |
| Vermont | 16 years | None |
| Virginia | 18 years | None |
| Washington | 16 years | 2 years difference |
| West Virginia | 16 years | 4 years difference |
| Wisconsin | 18 years | None |
| Wyoming | 16 years | 4 years difference |
What Happens if Two Minors are Dating and One Turns 18?
There are no laws concerning "dating" at any age. However, many states have laws prohibiting sexual acts between persons under the age of consent. In these states, it is illegal to perform sex acts before their 18th birthday, regardless of how old the parties may be.
What is the Youngest an 18-Year-Old Can Date?
Generally speaking, an 18-year-old can date a 16-year-old if the relationship is not sexual. However, if the relationship becomes sexual, then it could be illegal in certain states. Most states consider the age of consent to be either:
- 18 years of age,
- 17 years of age, or.
- 16 years of age.
What is the Dating Age Rule?
The dating age rule, which is not a legally binding law, is used to determine a socially acceptable age difference in partners. The rule goes like this: half your age plus seven (40 = 20 +7 = 27) to define the minimum age of a partner and your age minus seven times two (40 = 33 * 2 = 60) to define the maximum age of a partner.
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FAQs
How can an attorney help with a Romeo and Juliet law case?
An attorney can help by evaluating your case, gathering evidence, filing the necessary legal motions, negotiating with prosecutors, and representing you in court. They ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the benefits of the Romeo and Juliet law if applicable.
What should I do if I am accused of statutory rape but believe the Romeo and Juliet law applies?
If accused of statutory rape and you believe the Romeo and Juliet law applies, contact an attorney immediately. Avoid making any statements to law enforcement without legal representation, and provide your attorney with all relevant information to support your defense.
Can the Romeo and Juliet law be used as a defense in court?
Yes, the Romeo and Juliet law can be used as a defense in court to argue that the consensual sexual relationship between individuals close in age should not result in severe criminal penalties or sex offender registration.
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