Question 1

What is the Romeo and Juliet Law?

Accepted Answer

Romeo and Juliet laws are statutory provisions that reduce or eliminate criminal penalties for consensual sexual activity between teens or partners close in age, when one partner is below the age of consent.

Question 2

Is it legal for a 17-year-old to date an 18-year-old?

Accepted Answer

Dating itself is generally legal. However, sexual activity may trigger statutory laws depending on the state's age of consent and any close-in-age exemptions.

Question 3

Does every state have Romeo and Juliet laws?

Accepted Answer

No. Most U.S. states have some form of close-in-age exemption, but several do not, and the protections vary widely by state.

Question 4

Can minors go to jail under these laws?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in some jurisdictions minors can face juvenile or adult penalties. Romeo and Juliet provisions can mitigate these consequences.

Question 5

What is the age of consent?

Accepted Answer

It is the minimum age at which a person is legally able to consent to sexual activity. In the U.S. it ranges from 16 to 18 depending on the state.

Question 6

Can a Romeo and Juliet law remove someone from the sex offender registry?

Accepted Answer

Some states allow petitions for removal from the registry when the underlying offense involved a close-in-age partner. Procedures vary.

Question 7

What if both individuals are minors?

Accepted Answer

Most states' Romeo and Juliet laws are designed to address exactly this situation, often resulting in reduced or no charges.

Question 8

Do federal laws override state law?

Accepted Answer

For in-state conduct, state law typically governs. Federal statutes apply in specific circumstances such as conduct across state lines.

Frequently Asked Questions