Legal Question in Criminal Law in Louisiana

I recently turned 18... my girlfriend is exactly a year and 4 days younger than me... My parents told me I should break up with her because I could potentialy go to jail... Im still in highschool (Senior) and she is a Jounior... Some people told me it's not illegal if she is 17... But I wan't an exact answer... So, is it illegal for me, an 18 year old to date a 17 year old...?(with the given info)


Asked on 3/22/10, 7:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

First of all, you're asking about sexual activity. Non sexual activity does not have age limits.

In Louisiana, a person who already had a 17th birthday is not a juvenile. If the are accused of a crime, they are charged as adults. While they are not allowed to possess tobacco or alcohol, to buy land, or to vote, sexual activity between consenting persons over 17 is legal in Louisiana.

I don't know if you should break up with her for other reason (I don't know either of you) but your parents' reason is not valid.

If you are having sex, please use condoms because in today's society teen parents are generally not prepared for what their children need. I hope you both graduate high school and have wonderful lives, with or without each other.

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Answered on 3/27/10, 9:52 pm


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