What is the legal age of consent?
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What is the legal age of consent?
The girl (18) was living with the boy’s (16) family. The father consented to the act of sex as long as it was safe sex. Now, the boy got mad at the girl and, in turn, the father was also angry and kicked the girl out. He threatened her with statutory rape charges. He told her to leave the state,. Can he do this legally?
Asked on October 10, 2010 under Criminal Law, Missouri
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
My research suggests that the age of consent in MO for sexual intercourse is 17 years old. This is the age at which a person can consent to have sex with anyone who is also over the age of consent. However, like most states, MO takes into account the difference in age between the partners into account when one or both of them are under the age of consent. In general, a person over the age of 14 can consent to sex with a person under the age of 21 without legal problems. Most crimes related to the age of consent in only come into play when someone over 21 has sex with someone under the age of 17.
Additionally, if a parent consented to allowing their underage child to have sex they could be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor or the like.
Bottom line, both adults could be in legal trouble. Legally, however, they cannot force you to flea the state. At this point, perhaps you should consult directly with a criminal law attorney in your area.
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