What can a 17 year old’s parents do legally against her 24 year old boyfriend?
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What can a 17 year old’s parents do legally against her 24 year old boyfriend?
We want to get married on her birthday and we have been dating for a year. Her parents are against it and don’t know we have been dating all this time. They will obviously find out when I purpose this year on our anniversary so I’m wanting to know what legal action they could take against me if any. Jailtime, fine, restraining order anything at all or nothing at all. I just don’t know the law. Are there and specifications? Can I not legally date her with our age difference? Is the legal age of consent 17?
Asked on January 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Illinois
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
The legal age of consent in all states in this country is 18 years. Your girlfriend's parents before she is 18 years of age can file a petition for a restraining order against you to keep away from their minor daughter until she turns 18 years of age.
Potentially under your state's criminal laws, there is the possibility of the parents filing a police report against you if you and the daughter have been too intimate. Given the fact that your girlfriend is almost an adult, the chances of a criminal filing is probably remote based upon my experience in these matters. However the 6 year age difference between you and your girlfriend at this stage in your lives is relatively significant given both of your young ages.
You can still date your girlfriend unless there is a restraining order mandating that you stay away from her.
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