There are many ways for people to violate the laws related to sexual encounters. Certain types of behavior, such as the use of violence, clearly constitute a violation of the law. Other, much more innocent behavior could also lead to allegations of sexual offenses.
Some people face criminal charges because they have intimate experiences with young adults who have not yet reached the age of consent. Also known as statutory sex offenses, such crimes can result in incarceration and even sex offender registration.
At what age do young people gain the ability to legally consent to sexual intimacy?
Only adults can consent in Florida
Many states recognize that teenagers have an interest in sexual intimacy and may not be able to restrain themselves by remaining abstinent during and after puberty. They have lower ages of consent. In Florida, only those who are legal adults can consent to sexual intercourse.
Once a teenager turns 18, they can become intimate with partners of their choosing. Anyone who becomes intimate with a teenager who is not yet a legal adult is at risk of prosecution.
In fact, even other underage teenagers might be at risk. Florida does have a “Romeo and Juliet” statute that applies to young adults between the ages of 14 and 17 engaged in consensual intimate relationships. Factors, including the gap between the two partners’ ages, may influence how aggressively the state handles the charges against teens who have intimate experiences with other teens.
Reviewing the law and the circumstances leading to allegations with a skilled legal team can help people respond effectively to sex crimes. Those accused of age of consent violations could face very serious consequences if they do not respond appropriately to their pending charges.
