Can the parents of a 17 year old girl press charges against her 19 year old boyfriend?
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Can the parents of a 17 year old girl press charges against her 19 year old boyfriend?
My girlfriend’s parents have forbid me
from going anywhere near her. We have
not had sex but have done a few sexual
things. We have also sexted. There were
no pictures involved but we talked
about some very questionable things. I
live in Missouri and I am wondering if
her parents really can press charges.
Asked on March 25, 2018 under Criminal Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
In MO, the "age of consent" is 17. This means that anyone who is age 17 or older has the legal capacity to consent to sexual relations. Accordingly, you have nothing to worry about insofar as the law is concerned. However, you still have to deal with disapproving parents which can be as bad. Good luck.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You write that your girlfriend is 17. If she is, then there is nothing her parents can do. In your state (Missouri), the "age of consent" at which a person may have sex with whomever she wants (regardless of age) is 17, so whatever you and your 17-year-old girlfriend do is legal.
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