Expert: Jack Toomey - 5/23/2007

Question
No matter where I ask I always get a different answer. I'm not sure what site to go to, and I get different answers from several different "experts" around here. And I'm so confused. So my inquiry is that I'm wondering, since I'm 16, and the age of consent is 16 in Connecticut, does that mean I can have sex with anyone (16 years or older) without worrying about getting my partner in trouble with the law?

From others I've heard that yes, I can. No, only with people 16 or 17, anyone over 18 is illegal. And, no, they have to be 30 years or younger, unless I'm married to them.

So, can you please clarify this confusion?  

Answer
Amanda,

  The age of consent is also sixteen in my state.  In MY state that means that a person, that has reached the age of sixteen, can make the decision about who they want to have sex with.  Now it does not mean that they can have sex with a teacher, a coach, or anyone who is taking the place of your parents while you are in their care.  In MY state it also means that if you choose to have a sexual relationship with someone and he keeps you out late at night, encourages you to skip school, or to be a delinquent then he could be arrested for contributing to your delinquency.  

  In MY state there is no such thing about someone being 30 years or younger but it could be the law in your state.

  Now remember all of this applies to MY state and it does not necassarily apply to your state.  You woudn't believe the number of questions that I get where people assume that the law is the same in every state.  I have a feeling that you are getting some of your information from friends which is worst possible place to get important information.  You probably should simply call your local police station and I am sure that they would be happy to talk to you and explain the law in Connecticut.