Statutory Rape Law in Minnesota

[SFDoW]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Minnesota

I was just curious if a sexual relationship between a 24 year old and a 17 year old is legal in Minnesota.

Thanks!

[cyjeff]

Let me start with the question that no one answers... how do her parents feel about your sexual relationship with their minor child?

You see, until that child is 18, her parents are the end all be all of her world. If they say no, no other law is needed.

Now, as to the statutory rape statute....

Assuming, of course, that you are not in any position of authority over this child (teacher, coach, girl scout troop leader, etc...), the law states...

The Age of Consent in Minnesota is 16 unless you fit into one of the above groups... then the age of consent is 18.

[SFDoW]

Let me start with the question that no one answers... how do her parents feel about your sexual relationship with their minor child?

You see, until that child is 18, her parents are the end all be all of her world. If they say no, no other law is needed.

Now, as to the statutory rape statute....

Assuming, of course, that you are not in any position of authority over this child (teacher, coach, girl scout troop leader, etc...), the law states...

The Age of Consent in Minnesota is 16 unless you fit into one of the above groups... then the age of consent is 18.

Currently we have no sexual relationship and as I haven't been willing to even discuss being anything more than friends due to the age difference so the topic of a sexual relationship hasn't been discussed with her parents.

However, they are a bit cautious about me in general. As any good parent should be concerned with their 17 year old interacting with a 24 year old. With that said they are alright with letting us talk and hang out a bit.

Thanks for clarifying on the AOC, I've read quite a bit about the subject and browsed the forums before I asked but I wasn't quite clear if AOC applied to people 18+.

And I'm in no way in a position of authority over her.

I appreciate the information, I just needed to know a little more information about the legal aspect of this situation before I made any decisions.

[cyjeff]

Of course they are cautious.

A man out of college wants to date their high school age child.

Wouldn't YOU be?

[SFDoW]

Of course they are cautious.

A man out of college wants to date their high school age child.

Wouldn't YOU be?

Yes.

The legal question just seemed like the most logical place to start when considering this situation since it's the only one that has a concise answer.

I ask myself what could I possibly have in common with a 17 year old? Unless I'm a total loser still living in my parents basement with no high school diploma the answer is not much. Then to consider the maturity difference, the amount of growing up that's done from 17 - 24 is enormous.

I assure you I understand all of that, and I'm incredibly hesitant to act on anything, even once she turns 18.

I know this isn't the type of forum for that sort of discussion, but when I was reading up on this subject on this forum I saw that a lot of people asking aren't considering any questions other than, "Will I goto jail?" And rightfully you've responded with accurate information and a hint of cynicism. Which admittedly is entertaining, but I just wanted to let you know that this question was asked prior to anything and is the first question of many to be answered.

Thanks again and keep up the good work.

[cyjeff]

I will give you credit.... at least you are thinking this through.

Just ask yourself this question.... If even YOU are wondering what the heck you are seeing in this child, doesn't that tell you something?

Children go through a tremendous amount of mental and physical growth during the years of 16 and 25...and recent medical findings have even found that the "white" areas of the brain... the ones that guide our decision making abilities and thought processes... don't form completely until 30.

I have no doubt she is pretty. I have no doubt that something about her makes you happy.

I have every doubt that you have more in common than that. Why buy trouble? Break it off and look to people at the same stage of development... you will be much happier when you DON'T find yourself at a Jonas Brothers concert.... or a prom.

[SFDoW]

I will give you credit.... at least you are thinking this through.

Just ask yourself this question.... If even YOU are wondering what the heck you are seeing in this child, doesn't that tell you something?

Yes, that lust clouds judgment.

I have no doubt she is pretty. I have no doubt that something about her makes you happy.

I have every doubt that you have more in common than that. Why buy trouble? Break it off and look to people at the same stage of development... you will be much happier when you DON'T find yourself at a Jonas Brothers concert.... or a prom.

*Shudder*


Thank you again for your advice, it's well received and appreciated.