Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

''16 year old dating a 24 year old''

I'm a 16 year old girl and my boyfriend is 24. Isn't it legal to date as long as we're not doing anything sexual? If we're out eating, watching a movie, or just driving around, and we get pulled over for something late at night but i have my parents permission, can we get in trouble?


Asked on 5/04/04, 2:51 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Ronald Richards Law Offices of Ronald Richards and Associates

Re: ''16 year old dating a 24 year old''

your boyfriend is the one who will get into trouble.

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Answered on 5/04/04, 6:25 pm
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: ''16 year old dating a 24 year old''

Thank you for your posting.

The definition of "anything sexual", since it includes attempts to gratify (see Penal Code 288), is fairly broad. Otherwise, your boyfriend likely wouldn't get in trouble if you have your parents permission (for curfew purposes if nothing else), and if "nothing sexual" happens or is attempted.

I hope that this information helps, but if you want more information, have further questions, or feel that you need legal representation, please feel free to email me directly at [email protected]. It's my pleasure to assist you in any way that I can.

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Answered on 5/04/04, 6:45 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: ''16 year old dating a 24 year old''

There is nothing illegal about an adult being in the company of a minor as long as there is nothing sexual involved. If there was a law against this, babysitters would be out of business.

Of course, "sexual" means different things to different people. You should presume that *anything* a reasonable person could regard as sexual is out of bounds.

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Answered on 5/07/04, 5:05 pm


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