age of consent in each state us
1 (x) Applicants under age 18 must state that they have had marriage counseling. ( 2 y) If one or both parties are below the age for marriage without parental consent, three day waiting period. ( z) If a party has no parent residing within state, and one party has residence in state for six months, no permission required. Thus, instead of including force as a criminal element, theses crimes make it illegal for anyone to engage in sexual intercourse with anyone below a certain age, other than his spouse. The age of consent varies by state, with most states, including Connecticut, setting it at age 16. The age of consent in other states ranges from ages 14 to 18. Some states base the penalty for violations on the age of the offender, with older offenders receiving harsher penalties. For example, California, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, and New York reserve their harshest statutory rape penalty for offenders who are age 21 or older. Table 1 shows statutory rape laws, including penalties, by state. First-degree rape for someone age 16 or older to have sexual intercourse with someone under age 12. Second-degree rape for someone age 16 or older to have sexual intercourse with someone between age 12 and 16, when the actor is at least two years older. Federal law makes it criminal to engage in a sexual act with another person who is between the age of 12 and 16 if they are at least four years younger than you. Each state takes a different approach as the age of consent has ranged from 10 to 18. Some states, such as California and New York, set an age at which all sexual intercourse is considered statutory rape. For example, a state might set the age of consent at 18. In this hypothetical state, two seventeen year olds who had consensual sex could both theoretically be convicted of statutory rape. This table links to the marriage laws of the states and attempts to summarize some of their salient points. Those interested in the marriage law of a particular jurisdiction should review its law directly rather than rely on this summary which may not be fully accurate or complete. Related LII materials include: If a person lives in a state where the age of sexual consent is, for example, 16 and is dating a 16- or 17-year-old in another state where the age of consent is also 16, that would violate this federal law, even though any particular activity the two people may engage in would be legal in both their states. On these pages you will find statutory rape law information as it is listed on each state website. We do not post what we believe the age of consent to be but rather the laws so you are more informed. Statutory rape law varies from state to state so each state page includes a link to the state website where the information was pulled from. These pages are provided to you as a helpful resource only. If you are dealing with legal matters, consult with a criminal lawyer. 1 New York - The age of consent is 17. It is illegal for anyone to have sex with someone under the age of 17.  Texas -The age of consent is 17. The minimum age is 14 with an age differential of 3 years; thus, those who are at least 14 years of age can legally have sex with those less than 3 years older. Second-degree sexual assault to have sexual intercourse with a person between ages 13 and 16 if the actor is more than two years older. 10 to 25 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years if the victim is between age 10 and 16 and 10 years if the victim is under age 10. 1 (j) Residents, before expiration of 24 hour waiting period; non-residents, before expiration of 96 hour waiting period. ( 2 k) Parental consent and/or permission of judge required. ( l) Unless parties are 18 years of age or more, or female is pregnant, or applicants are the parents of a living child born out of wedlock.
14 to 18