Kemp, TX asked in Criminal Law for Texas

Q: Can a parent sign consent for her you 14 yr old dating a 17 yr old?

My son is 17 and likes a 14 yr old. I do not condone it and know how this can end if thw little girl gets bitter. Her mom sneaks her daughter around to meet up with my son. She says she will sign consent and have ib writing she would not press charges. I try to explain to my son that would'nt hold up in court and only his future would be destroyed! He will be 18 in 6 months and I have feeling he will move in with her! Please help enlighten him.. Thanks

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1 Lawyer Answer
Benson Varghese
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Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Fort Worth, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: No. A parent cannot give consent for the 14-year-old, nor can the 14-year-old give consent to sexual contact.

For indecency with a child, there is an affirmative defense if the actor is no more than three years older than the victim. A similar provision exists for sexual assault. However, remember an affirmative defense means you can raise the defense in court. It won't prevent an arrest or a case being filed. Hiring an attorney and bonding out after an arrest are both expensive propositions.

To learn more about the age of consent in Texas: https://www.versustexas.com/criminal/age-consent-child-sex-crimes-texas/

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