Expert: Terri Matheis - 11/13/2007

Question
Hello there,

I'm a 25 year old woman and I live in Chicago, Illinois. I think in Illinois you have to be 18 to get married, and 16 with parental supervision. I think it is 18 to go to a strip club and it is 21 to drink.

I was wondering, lately a LOT of younger men seem to be attracted to me, such as high schoolers and hot fraternity college guys. I mean, it's flattering that hot sexy young studs would still find me sexy and want to be with me. That must mean I'm pretty hot right hahaha. Just kidding. LOL!!! But I am wondering one thing.

What is the youngest age of man that I can date without it being illegal? Is it 18 or 21?

What age is it that it is considered 'rape' of a minor? Also, what if I date a guy under the age limit but do not have sex with him, is it still considered illegal?

Sorry to sound so dumb, but men nowadays look a LOT OLDER because guys are taking care of their appearance and are maturing and getting jobs, buying houses, cars etc a lot earlier, and they dress well and take care of their appearance. I meet guys I think are 30 and it turns out they are 16. AHHH!!!

Also, from your experience, what is the youngest man a 25 year old woman usually could date and have a mature relationship?

Also, for a 25 year old woman, what is the oldest man you would generally draw the line at.

And what is the best age range of man for me (I'm talking in general terms, I know everyone is different)

Also, I am getting my doctorate this May and am going to be the CEO of a pharmaceutical very soon. More than likely with my six figure salary I'm going to be earning much more than the average man I date.

what is the best type of man that would be compatible with me? a down-home, chill guy that likes taking care of kids? or another workaholic?

Thanks

Answer
ILLINOIS
A. Statutory Rape—Criminal Offenses
A person is deemed incapable of consent if he or she is under 17 years of age, regardless of the
age of the defendant.1 Sexual activity with someone under 17 years of age is treated as a
misdemeanor if:
· The victim is at least 9 years of age and the defendant is less than 17 years of age; or
· The victim is at least 13 years of age and the defendant is less than 5 years older than the
victim.2
Definition of Offenses
Offense Definition
Criminal sexual abuse3 Sexual penetration4 or sexual conduct5 with someone at least 9 years of age and less
than 17 years of age where the defendant is less than 17 years of age.
Sexual penetration or sexual conduct with someone at least 13 years of age and less
than 17 years of age where the defendant is less than 5 years older than the victim.
Aggravated criminal sexual abuse6 Sexual conduct with someone less than 13 years of age where the defendant is at
least 17 years of age.
Sexual conduct with someone less than 9 years of age where the defendant is less
than 17 years of age.
Sexual penetration or sexual conduct with someone at least 13 years of age but less
than 17 years of age where the defendant is at least 5 years older than the victim.
Aggravated criminal sexual assault7 Sexual penetration with someone less than 9 years of age where the defendant is less
than 17 years of age.
Predatory criminal sexual assault of a
child8
Sexual penetration with someone less than 13 years of age where the defendant is at
least 17 years of age.
1 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-16
2 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-15
3 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-15
4 Sexual penetration is defined as: any contact, however slight, between the sex organ or anus of one person by an object, the sex
organ, mouth or anus of another person, or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the body of one person or of any
animal or object into the sex organ or anus of another person, including but not limited to cunnilingus, fellatio or anal
penetration. Evidence of emission of semen is not required to prove sexual penetration. 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-
12.
5 Sexual conduct is defined as: any intentional or knowing touching or fondling by either party, either directly or through clothing,
of the sex organs, anus or breast of either party, or any part of the body of a child under 13 years of age, or any transfer or
transmission of semen by the defendant upon any part of the clothed or unclothed body of the victim, for the purpose of sexual
gratification or arousal of either party. 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-12.
6 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-16
7 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-14
8 720 Illinois Compiled Statutes, § 5/12-14.1