Expert: Michael Troy - 4/11/2007

Question
Hi well I was dating and 18 year old and I'm 15 but we aren't doing anything at all but kissing and spending time with each other. My uncle in law i guess you could say we are related bby marriage is a cop and he is the cop at where I go to school and he was told a false statement saying that we were having sex and its not true and I can prove it's not. He said that we had to break up or he would be put in jail. Isn't it that only if the minors parents don't agree with it then he could go to jail. If thats the case my parents don't care, then there shouldn't be a problem but there is. Any adviice would certainly help. What do I do? Please help!

Answer
Hi Brittany,

I can't provide specific legal advice here, and this really does not involve free speech issues.  However, statutory rape laws usually only apply if there is actual sex or sexual touching, nudity, etc.  Simply spending time with each other, even if one is a minor is not a crime.

Different states have different laws about how old a minor must be to consent to sex.  If there is a violation, parental consent does not matter.  If the act happens, it is a crime which can be reported by anyone.

You can read more about various State laws on this matter here:

http://www.moraloutrage.net/staticpages/index.php?page=states

I hope this helps!