Can I legally date and have sex with a 17 year old in the state of NY and NJ when I am 25 years old?
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Can I legally date and have sex with a 17 year old in the state of NY and NJ when I am 25 years old?
The age of consent is different in both
places and somewhat confusing. I have
not done anything with her besides talk
and text. What are the possible risks
and consequences if I were to date or
even have sex before she is 18? And
would there be a difference if we were
to do that in NJ where she lives or
NY where I live?
Asked on September 15, 2016 under Criminal Law, New York
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
In NY, the age of consent is 17. This means that a person who is 17 years of age or older can legally give their consent to engage in sexual relations with anyone who is also over the age of 17. In NJ, however, things are different. The age of consent is 18. Therefore, you run the risk of prosecution for engaing in sexual relations with a 17 year old in that state. You can try to play the geography game but that's simply not advisable.
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