Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania

Re: I'm 15 he's 18

It depends. Please pay careful attention. In Pennsylvania, it is not illegal for a person under the age of consent to have sexual relations with another person under the age of consent provided that both persons are over 13 years of age. It is not a felony for a person over the age of consent to have secual relations with a person under the age of consent provided that there is no more than four years difference in their ages. It is still illegal for a person over the age of consent to have sexual relations with a person under the age of consent, it just isn't a felony. That said, it is not a crime you want to flirt with.

There are legal courses you may pursue to pursue a relationship, with or without your parents consent. None are easy or free, especially given that you are under 16.

You should speak with an attorney about your situation to help you make the right choices during what I am certain is a very stressful time. As an aside, I hope you are also talking to other persons who are in the right position to help and advise you about the situation. These persons may include, your parents, his parents, your doctor(s), your clergy person, a school counselor.

I applaud you on taking a big first step. Now keep going, take care of yourself, the child and, hopefully, your relationship with your boyfriend and the parents on both sides.

Please contact me if I can be of further assistance in this matter or any matter in the future.

Regards and mazletov,

Roger Traversa

email: [email protected]

Re: I'm 15 he's 18

The situation is NOT statutory rape, which is the charge that everyone is concerned about. Since you were both under 18, it's not actually a crime at all. However, now that he's 18, and you're still under 18, he could be charged with corruption of a minor...which isn't as serious a crime as statutory rape, but a crime nonetheless.

I agree with Atty. Traversa's advice. Your boyfriend should understand as well that now that he's over 18, he is open to criminal prosecution for corruption of minors.