Legal Question in Criminal Law in Michigan

Statutory Rape law

If someone was dating someone when they were 17 and the other was 15. One recently had a birthday and is now 18. Considering that they were active before the age difference became more drastic and that both sets of parent approve of the relationship. Is there anything illegal happening?


Asked on 3/14/04, 12:46 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Henry J. Legere, Jr. Law Office of Henry J. Legere, Jr.

Re: Statutory Rape law

In Michigan, it is illegal to have sex with a person under the age of 16. It doesn't matter whether the person under 16 consents or that the parents consent. It is a crime to do so. If convicted the non-protected person could face up to 15 years in prison. Of course if the sex was forced then you could be looking at life in prison. It would be wise to wait until both parties are of legal age. In addition to possible prison time, the non-protected party would also have to register as a sex offender for 25 years. There is some movement in the Legislature to revamp the sex offender registry to exclude CSC3 cases relating to teenage sexual relationships from the registry. However, it has not been enacted into law at this time.

Read more
Answered on 3/14/04, 12:08 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Michigan