Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Minors dating Adults

Can a 17 year old girl date a 21 year old guy as long as they don't have sex?


Asked on 11/25/00, 7:17 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Stephen Sitkoff Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP

Re: Minors dating Adults

There is no law prohibitting dating between someone under 18 and somone over 18. The law only prohibits sex between them. In most cases where the couple are fairly close in age, within one or two years, the DA's office tends not to prosecute. But, each local community has differing standards, so be wary.

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Answered on 11/29/00, 12:19 pm
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: Minors dating Adults

I don't know whether you are the minor or the adult but the bottom line is that although there is no law prohibiting dating between minors and adults, just sex, I would never recommend it. The minor could allege that sex has occured if the relationship sours, or it could be alleged that the adult is contributing to the deliquency of a minor. I would not recommend dating until the minor is 18.

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Answered on 11/29/00, 2:34 pm


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