PA Law: Adult Minor Dating

[JG102]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania

Hi,

I apologize in advance if I am posting in the incorrect area for this subject matter, but I just joined this site today.

Ok, here's my situation. I am currently 17 years old (male) and am dating a 14 year old (female). This year she will turn 15 in July, and I will turn 18 in October. When October comes around, I realize I could be faced with some difficult situations involving our relationship.

First, I would like to know whether or not our relationship would be considered legal in the state of PA.

Second, if our relationship is legal, will there be a need for parental consent from one or both sides?

Third, would it be possible to kiss? (just kiss, no sexual or inappropriate contact)

Lastly, I would like to know if anyone could report me to the police for some sort of charge and possibly end up in trouble without ever actually doing anything wrong. I was reading things online about how it may be possible, but I just want to confirm it.

Thanks for any sort of help. If you know any of the answers to these questions it would be very much appreciated.

[seniorjudge]

The age of consent in your commonwealth is 16.

Find a woman.

Forget the child.

[Zigner]

I can't even fathom why a 17 year old would want anything to do with a 14 year old (except for THAT, of course).

Oh, and you don't have to wait until you're 18 to have "difficult situations" to deal with...

[JETX]

First, I would like to know whether or not our relationship would be considered legal in the state of PA.

Depends on what you mean by 'relationship'.

Second, if our relationship is legal, will there be a need for parental consent from one or both sides?

See above. If there is a question here, better check with HER parents... or risk getting your ass full of buckshot!

[quote]Third, would it be possible to kiss? (just kiss, no sexual or inappropriate contact)
Legally, yes. However, see above response.

Lastly, I would like to know if anyone could report me to the police for some sort of charge and possibly end up in trouble without ever actually doing anything wrong. I was reading things online about how it may be possible, but I just want to confirm it.

Again.... depends on your 'relationship.
If you mean holding hands and walking through the park, shouldn't be a problem.


Thanks for any sort of help. If you know any of the answers to these questions it would be very much appreciated.

[seniorjudge]

...
Depends on what you mean by 'relationship'.
...

Me!

Me!

I know!

I know!

[cyjeff]

I notice what the little girl's parents feel about all this has been left out of the post.

[publius]

The age of consent in your commonwealth is 16.

I believe it's not illegal unless there's also a 4+ year age difference. So 14 and 17 is legal, but 14 and 18 is not. PA Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, Sec 3122.1 Still, the issue is avoided if there's no sexual contact.

[Zigner]

I believe it's not illegal unless there's also a 4+ year age difference. So 14 and 17 is legal, but 14 and 18 is not. PA Consolidated Statutes, Title 18, Sec 3122.1 Still, the issue is avoided if there's no sexual contact.

That's not correct.
14 and 18 CAN be legal, per the statute you posted...

[JG102]

Thank you to those who answered my question in a respectable tone. I understand how a 17 and 14 year old relationship sounds, but there is no way in which I could prove to anyone here that our relationship is not sexual. Anyway, that is not the issue.

To JETX:
Well, I'm glad to hear your answer considering our "relationship" status. Her parents and my parents have already allowed us to see each other, so the parental consent shouldn't be a problem. Thanks again.

[publius]

That's not correct.
14 and 18 CAN be legal, per the statute you posted...

True, depends on when the birthdays are. If the 14yo's birthday is earlier in the year than the 18yo (the 14yo will turn 15 before the 18yo turns 19), the 18yo is off the hook because the difference is less than 4 full years.

[cbg]

Keep in mind that sexual contact is not limited to sex.

Anything that arouses the child has the potential for landing you in very hot legal water. Kissing, touching, fondling...you get the idea. ANYONE, not just her parents, who finds the relationship inappropriate - teachers, pastors, passersby on the street - can report it.

[publius]

Keep in mind that sexual contact is not limited to sex.

Anything that arouses the child has the potential for landing you in very hot legal water. Kissing, touching, fondling...you get the idea. ANYONE, not just her parents, who finds the relationship inappropriate - teachers, pastors, passersby on the street - can report it.

Except that there is no legal prohibition unless the child is under 13, or under 16 with an age difference of 4 years or more. With the age difference that the original poster describes, they (parents, teachers, pastors, etc) can report whatever they want but there's no law being broken. Unless you can find a statute that I haven't been able to.

Of course, violating criminal laws isn't the only thing OP has to worry about. The girl's parents could forbid him from seeing her and possibly get a restraining order against him or something if he tries to.

[cbg]

You're assuming that statutory rape is the only possible charge. That is not the case.

[publius]

You're assuming that statutory rape is the only possible charge. That is not the case.

You're right. Once the OP is over 18, there's also the possibility of a corruption of a minor charge. And even if sexual contact with someone under 18 may be legal under certain circumstances, any photography, videotaping, etc. could result in child pornography charges. Anything else I'm missing?

[cbg]

Aiding and abetting a runaway in some cases, contributing to the deliquency of a minor - who said only SEX charges were a concern?