Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Misconduct with a minor

My daughter is currently 16 years old. Her boyfriend however is 19. My husband and I have no problem with the age difference. Unfortunately, the boyfriend's parents are afraid that their son may get himself into trouble. I have been very open with my daughter about the trouble they could get into if they took their relationship to a sexual level and they have both agreed that they are going to wait. His parents are afraid that their son is going to go to jail for dating someone that is still considered a minor. My question for you is who actually has to file charges if anything were to happen of a sexual nature? And what exactly are the laws regarding age differences between someone 16 and a 19 year old.


Asked on 8/02/04, 11:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Misconduct with a minor

The short answer is that anyone can file a criminal charge if an adult (over 18) has sexual relations with a minor (under 18). In the circumstances you describe, the offense would be corruption of a minor which, in some circumstances, can be a felony offense. This is an extremely dangerous situation for the young man in question and he would be well advised to avoid any sexual relations with this child until she is 18 years old.

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Answered on 8/02/04, 12:02 pm


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