Age Gap Legality Checker
An educational estimator that compares two ages against the close-in-age (Romeo and Juliet) provisions of any U.S. state.
Before you use this tool
This tool is a starting point for understanding how a state's age of consent and any close-in-age (Romeo and Juliet) provision generally apply to a given age pair. It is not a verdict. It does not interpret aggravating factors such as authority relationships, force, incapacity, digital communications offenses, prior convictions, marriage status, or federal offenses.
To use the checker, select a state and enter both parties' ages. The tool will summarize the relevant statutory framework and direct you to authoritative resources. Always verify with the official statute and a licensed attorney before drawing any conclusion about a real-world situation.
Based on the information entered, this may fall within a close-in-age exception in some situations. Laws vary by state. Review the official statute or speak with a licensed attorney.
Both individuals are at or above Alabama's general age of consent (16). Other laws (authority relationships, marriage age, digital communications, federal law) may still apply.
Official Source Links
- Alabama Legislature — Official Statutes Use this directory to reach the official statute database for the selected state.
- Cornell Law School — Legal Information Institute Plain-language overview of statutory rape and close-in-age provisions across U.S. states.
- U.S. Department of Justice — Federal Sexual Abuse of a Minor Federal 18 U.S.C. § 2243 framework, which can apply alongside state law.
- National Conference of State Legislatures Tracks legislative changes to consent, marriage, and related statutes.
State-Law Limitations of This Tool
- Does not account for relationships of authority (teacher, coach, guardian, employer, clergy, medical provider), which usually void any close-in-age exemption.
- Does not consider force, threats, coercion, intoxication, or incapacity — any of which can elevate charges regardless of age.
- Does not evaluate digital conduct (sexting, image transmission, online solicitation), which is often prosecuted under separate statutes.
- Does not reflect prosecutorial discretion, plea practices, or local court interpretations.
- Does not capture federal law (interstate travel, online communications, military jurisdiction, tribal land).
- Does not track every recent statutory amendment — always verify against the official state code linked above.