Judge Tom
There may be nothing illegal about purely dating an older teenager; however, if the relationship is sexual at all, her boyfriend could face serious consequences. Every state has an “age of consent” law, which sets the age limit for when a minor can consent to sexual activity. The age in most states is somewhere between 16 and 18. That means that her boyfriend could be prosecuted if they are engaging in sexual activity. Click the following link and then click on your state to find out more about the age of consent law in your state. Good luck to your friend. (Check our Teen Help Network for more help and resources in your area. This is information only – not legal advice.)