Can an 18 year old date a 14 year old in the state of North Carolina?

Full question:

Can an 18 year old date a 14 year old in the state of North Carolina?

  • Category: Minors
  • Date:
  • State: North Carolina

Answer:

The following is a NC statute:

§ 14-27.7A. Statutory rape or sexual offense of person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old.

(a) A defendant is guilty of a Class B1 felony if the defendant engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with another person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old and the defendant is at least six years older than the person, except when the defendant is lawfully married to the person.

(b) A defendant is guilty of a Class C felony if the defendant engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with another person who is 13, 14, or 15 years old and the defendant is more than four but less than six years older than the person, except when the defendant is lawfully married to the person. (1995, c. 281, s. 1.)

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

In North Carolina, the legal age gap for sexual activity is significant. If an adult is at least six years older than a minor aged 13, 14, or 15, it constitutes a Class B1 felony. If the adult is more than four but less than six years older, it is a Class C felony. There are no specific laws regulating dating, but these age gaps apply to sexual activity. Always consider the legal implications of relationships involving minors.