Seattle, WA asked in Family Law for Oregon

Q: Is it legal for a 16 year old about to be 17 to date a just turned 23 year old as long as no sexual actions are commited

Is it legal for a 16 year old about to be 17 to date a just turned 23 year old as long as no sexual actions are commited?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Joanne Reisman
Joanne Reisman
Answered
  • Portland, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: There is no law that restricts the age of people who are dating. The law only restricts sexual relations between adults and minors. However the 16 or 17 year old would be subject to the house rules of their parents so they may not be allowed to date this person for other reasons. Frankly the 23 year old is putting them self at risk because all that has to happen is the minor accuses the 23 year old of some type of sexual activity and there are going to be big problems for the 23 year old even if they are eventually exonerated. The cost of the Attorney's Fees alone will be a significant detriment.

M. Nicole Clooten
M. Nicole Clooten
Answered
  • Pendleton, OR
  • Licensed in Oregon

A: I agree with Ms. Reisman. It's legal but a very bad idea. If you do want to continue dating, I suggest that you go on group dates in public with other friends that are trustworthy. Meet at the public place and have the minor transport themselves or have a family member or friend of theirs transport them. The probability of a false accusation on the minor's part is extremely low, but anyone can make the accusation and you could be at risk of having to register as a sex offender, which will make finding a job, home, ect. very difficult. If I were you, I'd just wait another year or find a more age-appropriate person to date.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.