Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

Re: age of consent

Consent in WA is based on the age difference between the two parties - in other words, two minors of roughly the same age can consent to sexual activity.

However, there is no way that a thirteen year old can consent to sexual conduct with a 17 year old. The 17 year old is risking being adjudicated a sexual offender and having to register for engaging in sex, even if it is consensual, with a 13 year old.

If CPS were notified, they would have some tough questions for the 13 year old's parents.

Hope this explains it. Elizabeth Powell

Re: age of consent

Generally speaking, the age of consent is 18 years of age. There are exceptions when both parties are minors but I'd consult with an attorney to get the specific statutory provisions that apply before risking a statutory rape conviction.

At your service,