What is the law regarding a 23 year old and 16 year old having sex?

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What is the law regarding a 23 year old and 16 year old having sex?

I’ve committed no crimes, I am currently 23, almost 24. There is someone I’ve been seeing who is currently 16. They’ve recently asked about sex which I’ve said no to because of fear of statutory rape charges. Upon researching this topic I’ve become confused. If they’re 16 and I’m 23, can we legally have sex? At risk of parental ramifications (i.e. contributing to the delinquency of a minor/harboring a runaway?

Asked on July 1, 2017 under Criminal Law, Ohio

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

in OH the "age of consent", that is the age at which a person may legally consent to engage in sexual relations, is 16. Therefore, so long as both parties are 16 or older, there is no law prohibiting their having sex.


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