Ohio Sex Consent Law

[unsure26]

Ok, im 26 and have had sex with a 16, i have had feelings for her sometime and we have known each other a very long time im talkin most her life. We started talking lately and come to find out she had the same feelings about me. So we talked more about it and we choose to go forward. I love her. So before we had sex i asked her if she was sure and if so then and if so then ok, so we had sex. Then her mom said to that she wouldnt be surprized if we started dating when she was 18, that was before she knew about us. Then we choose to have sex again. Then someone told. It went south from there as it was expected. Im not sure what to do. ohio says 16 is consenting but it doesnt say anything about age differences. So is 16 and 26 legal or not.

[aardvarc]

Correct - the age of consent in Ohio is 16 (see 2907.04 Unlawful sexual conduct with minor). If the minor was 15 or under, an age differential would apply. Since she is of lawful age to consent, it's not an issue.

HOWEVER - until she reaches the age of majority (18 in Ohio) - her parents still have total legal control over her, including who she gets to see, date, where she goes, etc. Be emotionally and legally prepared for her parents to forbid this relationship. If they do so, and things get ugly (or if she should get pregnant), all sorts of OTHER problems are possible for you - including restraining orders, and possible criminal charges for things like contributing to the delinquency of a minor, harboring a runaway, etc.

Things NOT to do:

1) Get her pregnant (contrary to popular belief, this will NOT legally emancipate her - it will only give her MEDICAL emancipation to determine medical care for herself and the child - period). If her parents don't approve of this relationship, you can be certain that they will keep you two apart via legal means. Yes, you'll still likely get visitation with the baby, but that visitation WON'T include her until she's 18.

2) Take for granted that she's using birth control, just because she tells you she is. Biggest and longest running scam on earth. NEVER EVER believe a teenage girl who tells you she's on the pill and can't get pregnant. Wrap that rascal - every time.

3) Keep her from fully applying herself to school. She needs to be there everyday, and actively working on her education. Don't let her skip school to hang with you - it'll hurt her education, and give the parents ammunition against you, including possible criminal charges as noted above.

Things TO do: (assuming the parents still let her see you)

1) Respect that her parents are still her legal guardians, and she must live under their rules until she hits 18. You can either make things funner for you, but harder for her at home, or more responsible for both of you, and an easier time for her at home. You might be facing a big hurdle in her parents - and the only way you'll have a chance in overcoming it is to show that your interest in their daughter goes beyond wanting to bang her until the cows come home. SHOW that you have HER best interests at heart, and that you're not just thinking with the lower part of your anatomy (cause that's what they're going to think). HELP her to stay in school, do WELL in school, stay off drugs, be home when she's supposed to, etc.

2) In case you're wondering, the age for consent to marriage in Ohio is 16 with parental consent, and 18 without it.