Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Dating a Minor

I am a 35 year old male in the state of WA that has been recently hanging out with a girl that is 5 months from turning 18. During our time that we've spent together, she brought up how much she liked spending time with me and we shortly started ''dating'' one another on a strictly platonic level. There is no talk of sexual activity and we both agreed to wait until she is 18 before we will go there. She is home every night before her curfew and is trying to respect the wishes of her mother. Recently, her sister found out about me and has threatened to have my rights to see my children taken away from me if we do not cut all ties with each other...my girlfriend is terrified that this may happen if we do not listen to their requests to remain apart. We have been doing this for the time being but do not understand how it is illegal for us to go workout together and just hang around each other until she is 18 and can commence into a full fledged relationship. Am I doing anything illegal?


Asked on 8/29/06, 3:18 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Re: Dating a Minor

Leaving the multititude of issues concering the emotional development and wellness of the object of your desire aside, it is not a crime for a person in advanced stages of senescence, such as yourself, to engage in sexual exploits with a neophyte unless you are an employee of the school which the child attends, or she of limited mental capacity.

You can review the specific state statutes in RCW Title 9A, Chapter 44:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.44

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Answered on 8/29/06, 4:02 pm


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