My cousin is 17 and had gotten pregnant by an older man

[* naomi *]

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


My cousin is 17 and had gotten pregnant by an older man. He at the time thought that she was of age. She did not tell him that she was 17 until she was 6 months pregnant. She turns 18 one month before the baby is born. Since the baby is going to be born after she turns 18, can he still get in trouble since the child was conceived when she was 17? We would rather him not get into trouble because he was unaware of her real age until she was already 6 months along. Any advice? Is it even a big deal as long as she's 18 when the baby's born?

 

[Proserpina]

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


My cousin is 17 and had gotten pregnant by an older man. He at the time thought that she was of age. She did not tell him that she was 17 until she was 6 months pregnant. She turns 18 one month before the baby is born. Since the baby is going to be born after she turns 18, can he still get in trouble since the child was conceived when she was 17? We would rather him not get into trouble because he was unaware of her real age until she was already 6 months along. Any advice? Is it even a big deal as long as she's 18 when the baby's born?

How old is the older man?

(yes, it may make a rather large difference)

 

[* naomi *]

How old is the older man?

(yes, it may make a rather large difference)

He is 30 years old

 

[Proserpina]

He is 30 years old

Then yes, he can be prosecuted in WA state.

Your friend was 17 when the child was conceived (in other words when the act itself was committed) - this is the important factor, not her age when she gives birth.

Not knowing how old she was is not a defense.

 

[* naomi *]

Then yes, he can be prosecuted in WA state.

Your friend was 17 when the child was conceived (in other words when the act itself was committed) - this is the important factor, not her age when she gives birth.

Not knowing how old she was is not a defense.

Do they typically investigate? The state I mean. If he is not listed as the father would the state go out of their way to find out who is. How would they know it was him?

 

[Proserpina]

Do they typically investigate? The state I mean. If he is not listed as the father would the state go out of their way to find out who is. How would they know it was him?

If she wishes to obtain child support, file for any public assistance etc, she WILL be required to name the child's father. Will they prosecute? Nobody can guess.