Can I date a 18 year old when Im 15 in Missouri?
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Can I date a 18 year old when Im 15 in Missouri?
I live in Missouri. I am a 15 year old
and Im dating a 17 year old, but hes
going to be turning 18 pretty soon.
Were 2 years and 9 months apart.
Would it be legal for us to date? Is
there a Romeo and Juliet law in
Missouri protecting him since he is
under 21 and Im over 14?
Asked on March 25, 2019 under Criminal Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
The age of consent in MO is 17 years old. This means that even if sexual acts are "consensual," if one party is under the age of 17, statutory rape charges can be filed. However, there is an exception to statutory rape if the victim is over 14 and the accused is under 21. However, it does not mean they cannot get into trouble with the law since MO also has a law that makes it child molesting a misdemeanor offense.
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