Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Can the state press charges of statutory rape against a 17 year old for impregnating a 15 year old. Even though the parents of the girl are unwilling to press charges against the boy. And are the charges severity lessened given the slight age difference of the two. As well as the boys chances of being put on the sex offenders list. If charged, is there a chance the 17 year old can avoid being put on the sex offenders list or be labeled as a felon given as he has a clear record with the law.


Asked on 11/30/11, 6:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Neil O'Brien Eaton County Special Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

"CAN" charges be issued? Yes. The 17 yr old has no legal right to have sex with someone under 15 yrs old unless the 15 yr old is legally emancipated by law (3 yrs early). "SHOULD" or "WILL" it happen?that's the discretion prosecutors have to decide. If convicted, the so-called Romeo & Juliet part of the recent sex offender registration act will likely keep the 17 yr old off the list.

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Answered on 12/01/11, 7:37 am


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