Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Romeo and Juliet laws and age of consent.
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.
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.
No. Most U.S. states have some form of close-in-age exemption, but several do not, and the protections vary widely by state.
Yes, in some jurisdictions minors can face juvenile or adult penalties. Romeo and Juliet provisions can mitigate these consequences.
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.
Some states allow petitions for removal from the registry when the underlying offense involved a close-in-age partner. Procedures vary.
Most states' Romeo and Juliet laws are designed to address exactly this situation, often resulting in reduced or no charges.
For in-state conduct, state law typically governs. Federal statutes apply in specific circumstances such as conduct across state lines.