Age of Consent

[ilikecocoa]

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

Michigan


I'm trying to read the MCL (Michigan Compiled Laws - basically the laws of Michigan I think) to figure out what the age of consent is.

I've heard it's five years from the age of the minor, if you're below 21, or that it's 16, 17, or 18. Nobody seems to know what it really is. The laws seem to say that it's just 16, and that a 16 year old could date a 100 year old.

I'm wondering because I'm friends with someone who is 15, and is about to turn 16 in two months. We've only hung out once with friends (and the only physical contact between us was a friendly hug, which I gave to each of the girls), but we've been texting each other since then. No flirting, definitely nothing explicit, no pictures, just teasing back and forth. I won't hang out with her at all or even flirt unless she's legal for me. I'm not going to screw up my future for a girl.

Am I doing this right? What does the law actually say about the age? Should I stop talking to her at all, or are friendly texts ok?

 

[cbg]

The law does not give two hoots who a teenager goes to the mall or the movies with, escorts her to school functions, buys the tickets to a rock concert, or whatever else it is that teenagers do these days. The law cares a great deal about who a minor has sexual contact with. Please note that sexual contact is not limited to intercourse.

And of course, it's absolutely vital that her parents approve. If Mom and Dad say no, then it's no, and there isn't a law anywhere in the US that will make it yes instead.

You don't say how old you are...

 

[ilikecocoa]

I haven't said or done anything sexual with her AT ALL. Only teasing jokes that were not about sex. I haven't even called her cute or anything.

I'm 19, just turned a couple months ago

 

[cbg]

I didn't say you did. You asked what the law said and I told you.

 

[ilikecocoa]

You never told me the age of consent, or if there was an age gap rule.

 

[cbg]

I told you everything you need to know unless you're planning to have sexual contact.

 

[Jada_115]

You never told me the age of consent, or if there was an age gap rule.

The age of consent in Michigan is 16, unless you are the teacher or school employee then it would be 18. It is a bit disconcerting that you have your eye on a 15 year old. Best to stay away from her, I doubt her parents would approve. The Michigan code is too hard to search so I gave up. However, something you need to be aware of, some states, ND being one, has an age of consent of 16 but still charges anyone over 18 who has sex with a minor ages 16-17 if they are not married. I can't say if Michigan has this same law or not.

 

[quincy]

The age of consent in Michigan is 16, unless you are the teacher or school employee then it would be 18. It is a bit disconcerting that you have your eye on a 15 year old. Best to stay away from her, I doubt her parents would approve. The Michigan code is too hard to search so I gave up. However, something you need to be aware of, some states, ND being one, has an age of consent of 16 but still charges anyone over 18 who has sex with a minor ages 16-17 if they are not married. I can't say if Michigan has this same law or not.

Sorry, Jada, but what you wrote about Michigan is not quite right.

Following is a link to the applicable sections of the Michigan Penal Code, Section 750.520 et seq: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(tyhhfye52q5hvn45bc5sux45))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-750-520a

After clicking on the link, you will see two arrows in the upper left hand corner, where it says "Navigate this section." Click on the arrow that points to the right to work your way through the section to read the laws and to see how they are applied and how they are charged.


(the laws of North Dakota are not applicable to Michigan, Jada, and I suspect what you wrote about ND is not quite right, either)

 

[ilikecocoa]

I'm just wondering if anyone actually plans on answering the question.

And I don't think 3 years is a big problem, if she's legal. My dad married my mom when he was 12 years older.

 

[Silverplum]

I'm just wondering if anyone actually plans on answering the question.

And I don't think 3 years is a big problem, if she's legal. My dad married my mom when he was 12 years older.

Funny, we were wondering if you actually plan to research and read.

 

[Zigner]

My dad married my mom when he was 12 years older.

Unless you're planning on asking the state to take action on the matter, this matters not.

 

[quincy]

I'm just wondering if anyone actually plans on answering the question.

And I don't think 3 years is a big problem, if she's legal. My dad married my mom when he was 12 years older.

Did you take advantage of the link I provided?

There are different factors that come into play if having sex is part of your plans (e.g., are you in a position of authority over the girl?) so, unless you want to disclose a lot more than you have, it is far easier for you to read through the laws yourself and see if any apply to your situation. If you have questions about what you are reading, come back and we can explain.

That said, if you just want to date the girl and the date does not include touching private areas, and the parents of the girl are okay with her dating you, then it is legal. Three years is not a big deal once the girl is older. At her current age, however, it can be a big deal. It is important that you trust the girl won't lie about what happened between you, if you decide you don't want to date her any more.

Please reread cbg's Post #2. That tells you all you really need to know, if all you are interested in is dating the 15 year old.

 

[Jada_115]

Sorry, Jada, but what you wrote about Michigan is not quite right.

Following is a link to the applicable sections of the Michigan Penal Code, Section 750.520 et seq: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(tyhhfye52q5hvn45bc5sux45))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-750-520a

After clicking on the link, you will see two arrows in the upper left hand corner, where it says "Navigate this section." Click on the arrow that points to the right to work your way through the section to read the laws and to see how they are applied and how they are charged.


(the laws of North Dakota are not applicable to Michigan, Jada, and I suspect what you wrote about ND is not quite right, either)

You often seek to contradict anything I post. Before you spout each time at least try to give an argument as to why I am incorrect, or better yet POST the correct information since that is what we are here for.

 

[cbg]

Considering that he posted a link to the appropriate law, I'd say he has it covered.

 

[single317dad]

Well, then. Two lazy ingrates in one thread. If we can draw in one more it'll be a record.