Full question:
I am 21 years old and I wanted to know if it would be illegal for me to date a 16 year old?
- Category: Minors
- Date:
- State: Idaho
Answer:
In Idaho, the law regarding relationships between adults and minors is strict. Under Idaho law, it is illegal for a person who is eighteen years old or older to engage in sexual acts with a minor child under the age of sixteen (Idaho Code § 18-1506). This includes soliciting a minor or having sexual contact with them, which can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to twenty-five years.
Furthermore, if a person is at least five years older than a minor who is sixteen or seventeen years old, they can also face felony charges for sexual battery if they engage in sexual acts with that minor (Idaho Code § 18-1508A). This includes committing lewd acts, soliciting the minor for sexual acts, or causing sexual contact. Penalties for these offenses can be severe, including life imprisonment for certain violations.
In summary, while dating itself may not be illegal, any sexual activity with a minor can lead to serious legal consequences. It is crucial to be aware of these laws to avoid potential legal issues.
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.