What is the legal dating age for a 20-year-old in Missouri?

Full question:

What is the legal age of females to date if I am 20 years old?

  • Category: Minors
  • Date:
  • State: Missouri

Answer:

In Missouri, the legal implications of dating are tied to age of consent laws. According to Missouri statutes:

1. If you are twenty-one years old or older, having sexual intercourse with someone under seventeen years old is considered statutory rape in the second degree (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.034).

2. If the person you are dating is under fourteen years old, it is classified as statutory rape in the first degree (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 566.032).

3. Consent is not a defense if the alleged victim is less than twelve years old.

4. If the person is under seventeen but at least fourteen, it may be an affirmative defense if you reasonably believed they were seventeen or older.

It's important to be aware of these laws to avoid legal issues related to dating minors.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The age of consent varies by state and is determined by state legislatures. In many states, including Missouri, the age of consent is set at 17. This age is established to protect minors from exploitation while allowing them some autonomy in relationships. The choice of 18 as a common age of consent in other states reflects a societal consensus on when individuals are considered mature enough to make such decisions. Laws are designed to balance protection and personal freedom. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*