If my son is turning 18 and his girlfriend is 16, is their relationship against the law?
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If my son is turning 18 and his girlfriend is 16, is their relationship against the law?
My son has been seeing this girl for 7 months; she is 16 and my son is going to turn 18 in 10 days. The girl’s father is telling his daughter that when her boyfriend turns 18 he is going to call the sheriff and tell them that my son is having sex with a minor. I need to know will my son be brought up on charges? How do we protect him. Can the father really do this?
Asked on January 7, 2012 under Criminal Law, California
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The father can do this and more. In most states, serious charges can still apply when both are minors but even more serious when one becomes an adult. Charges like statutory rape or charges that involve unlawful sexual contact with a minor can follow your son forever if he is convicted. He would have to register as a sex offender in the location he lives and he will have a hard time getting a job. Talk to your son and together talk to a criminal defense attorney. While you may mot wish to get between your son and this young girl, keep in mind that they are young and you do not want youthful transgressions to ruin your son's future or seriously injure it.
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