An Adult Dating a Minor

Questions2011 · #1 07-21-2008, 06:02 PM

My question involves juvenile law in the State of: Illinois

I'm 15 and I'm dating a 24 year old. I know it's illegal right now. How old do i have to be for this to be legal?

Also, another question. Just to clear things up. I've heard rumors that you are legaly an adult at 17 now. Well atleast you get to move out and date people over 18. Is that true?

LawResearcherMissy · #2 07-21-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

How old do i have to be for this to be legal?

Eighteen.

Quote:

I've heard rumors that you are legaly an adult at 17 now.

No.

standish · #3 07-21-2008, 06:18 PM

The age of consent for sex in Illinois is 17. Until then, dating is fine, any kind of penetration is illegal for your guy (although only a misdemeanor for the older person if consenual). Making out is probably okay. Fondling is a gray area.

The 17 age is only for purposes of sexual consent. The age of majority (legal adulthood) remains at 18.

In Maryland, the penetration consent age is 16, and the fondling consent age is 14. It really varies from state to state.

gigirle · #4 07-21-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

I'm 15 and I'm dating a 24 year old. I know it's illegal right now. How old do i have to be for this to be legal?

You have to be 17. When you are caught (notice I said when and not if) the 24 yr old will likely face serious rape charges. These are felony in nature. It also doesn't have to come from your/their parents catching you, it can come from the state pressing charges on him/her. Trust me when I say people have a way of talking.
As far as I know, what you've heard is just that a rumor (see how fast that one spread?) You get to move out when your 18 or when your parents allow you to.
The laws that exist are there for a reason. A NORMAL 24 yr old wouldn't and shouldn't want anything to do with a 15 yr old. Other than the obvious! It's not so much the # of years as it is the time frame. A 15 yr old isn't capable of handling a relationship of this nature at that age. Making this rape. PERIOD. Hopefully, if you are having a relationship with a 24 yr old, someone will find out and press charges. Get this person off the streets.