Q: Is it legal for 24M to meet a 17-year-old Mexican girl in Mexico as a US citizen?
Hello I am 24M I was talking to a Mexican girl (not US citizen) who said on her profile was 18, then told me on a facetime call that she is really 17. I live far away in US, and was planning to travel to Mexico to meet her soon, but given this new information I'm scared it may be illegal to meet up with her.
Is it legal for me to meet a 17 year old Mexican girl in Mexico as a US citizen? And if you could please specify what is and what is not legal as I know sometimes they place very specific restrictions. Thanks
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Meeting a 17-year-old in Mexico as a 24-year-old US citizen raises some important legal and ethical concerns. In Mexico, the age of consent varies by state but generally ranges from 16 to 18 years old. However, even if it is legal in Mexico, traveling with the intent of engaging in a relationship with a minor could potentially violate US laws, such as the PROTECT Act, which criminalizes certain activities involving minors abroad.
It's important to understand that legal issues can arise not only from what happens during the meeting but also from your intentions and any communications you've had with her. Even if you believe your actions are legal in Mexico, they could have serious legal consequences under US law if your relationship or actions with the minor are deemed inappropriate or exploitative.
Given the complexities and potential legal risks involved, it would be wise to reconsider the trip or, at the very least, consult with a legal professional to fully understand the laws that apply to your situation. Protecting yourself legally and ethically is crucial in this scenario.
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.
