Legal Question in Criminal Law in Pennsylvania

Is it legal for a 25 year old to be with a 16 year old, either sexually or non-sexually? What are the various laws in place regarding this? How would Corruption of Minor fall into place with this? I noticed Age of Consent is 16, but Corruption of Minor is up to 18. So I am just curious. [A friend of mine has a bit of trouble, and I am asking for some basic help on his behalf]


Asked on 12/27/12, 9:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Debra Rainey The Law Office of Debra D. Rainey

Pennsylvania like all other states has a minimum age of consent as well as a minimum age a person must attain before that person can enter into legal contracts, (this is considered the legal age of consent) The are exceptions to this legal age and minimum age of consent, where a child is at least age 16 but has not yet reached his or her 18th birthday, has been emmanicipated by a Court.

Short answer for the crime of Corrupting the Moral sof a Minor,(CMOM) if the accused is 18 or older and the child is under 18, and all the other elements of the crime are satisfied, the charge of CMOM can be at least chraged. If your friend is in this situation either because he or she thinks a charge may lie against him or her or if your friend is a parent or guardian and is concerned for a child's well-being, I suggest you contact an attorney straight away, as there are a number of other factors that may play into your friend's situation.

You may visit my website at www.DebraRaineyLaw.com.

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Answered on 1/05/13, 8:36 am


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