Is sex between a 16 year old male and a 20 year old female illegal in North Carolina?

Full question:

Is sex between a 16 year old male and a 20 year old female illegal in North Carolina?

  • Category: Criminal
  • 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, there is no specific legal age gap for dating. However, sexual activity is regulated by statutory rape laws. A person can be charged with statutory rape if they engage in sexual acts with someone aged 13, 14, or 15 and are at least six years older. For individuals aged 16 and older, the law does not impose restrictions based solely on age gaps for consensual sexual activity. Always ensure that both parties are of legal age to consent to sexual activity.