Age of Consent By State

Understanding Age of Consent by State

The age of consent is the legal age at which a person is considered mature enough to consent to sexual activity. This age varies from state to state across the United States, typically ranging from 16 to 18 years old. Age of consent laws are essential because they protect minors from potential exploitation, but they can be complex, especially when state and federal laws differ. Knowing the specific age of consent in each state can help you better understand legal boundaries and protections.

What is the Age of Consent?

The age of consent defines the age at which an individual is legally permitted to consent to sexual activity. This age varies by state, with most states setting the age between 16 and 18. Federal law also plays a role, especially in cases involving interstate activities, online communication, or other federal offenses involving minors. Generally, federal law prohibits sexual activity with individuals under 18 in these cases, even if the age of consent is lower in the minor’s state.

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Age of Consent By State

Any sex allegation involving a child can bring your life to a screeching halt. The accusation – which may be nothing more than a statement – could lead to the loss of freedom, parental rights, housing, and employment.

Why Are Age of Consent Laws Important?

Age of consent laws are designed to protect young people from sexual exploitation. These laws acknowledge that minors may lack the emotional maturity or legal standing to make informed decisions regarding sexual activity. By setting a legal age, states can help protect minors from predatory actions by older individuals. However, there are also challenges, as many states do not make allowances for minors who misrepresent or lie about their age. Ignorance of a minor’s age is typically not a defense in cases involving statutory offenses.

Learn about age of consent in Texas.

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Age of Consent Map

While federal law establishes an age of 18 for sexual consent in specific cases, each state has the authority to set its age of consent laws. The table below summarizes the age of consent across the United States. If you have questions about the age of consent or specific laws in a certain state, it’s best to consult a legal professional.

State	Age of Consent
Alabama	16
Alaska	16
Arizona	18
Arkansas	16
California	18
Colorado	17
Connecticut	16
Delaware	18
Florida	18
Georgia	16
Hawaii	16
Idaho	18
Illinois	17
Indiana	16
Iowa	16
Kansas	16
Kentucky	16
Louisiana	17
Maine	16
Maryland	16
Massachusetts	16
Michigan	16
Minnesota	16
Mississippi	16
Missouri	17
Montana	16
Nebraska	17
Nevada	16
New Hampshire	16
New Jersey	16
New Mexico	17
New York	17
North Carolina	16
North Dakota	18
Ohio	16
Oklahoma	16
Oregon	18
Pennsylvania	16
Rhode Island	16
South Carolina	16
South Dakota	16
Tennessee	18
Texas	17
Utah	18
Vermont	16
Virginia	18
Washington	16
West Virginia	16
Wisconsin	18
Wyoming	18

What is the age of consent in Florida?

Many wondered why allegations of Matt Gaetz having sex with a 17-year old was described as sex with a minor. In most states, a 17 year old is not a minor. To be clear, the reports are that Gaetz paid for sex, which would be illegal regardless of age. In other words, Florida is one of the few states where the age of consent is 18. As a result, paying for sex with a 17 year old would not only be solicitation of prostitution; It would be statutory rape.

The age of consent is 18 in the following states:

1. Arizona
2. California
3. Delaware
4. Florida
5. Idaho
6. North Dakota
7. Oregon
8. Tennessee
9. Utah
10. Virginia
11. Wisconsin
12. Wyoming

The of consent is 17 in the following states:

1. Colorado
2. Illinois
3. Louisiana
4. Missouri
5. Nebraska
6. New Mexico
7. New York
8. Texas

The age of consent is 16 in the following states:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arkansas
4. Connecticut
5. Georgia
6. Hawaii
7. Indiana
8. Iowa
9. Kansas
10. Kentucky
11. Maine
12. Maryland
13. Massachusetts
14. Michigan
15. Minnesota
16. Mississippi
17. Montana
18. Nevada
19. New Hampshire
20. New Jersey
21. North Carolina
22. Ohio
23. Oklahoma
24. Pennsylvania
25. Rhode Island
26. South Carolina
27. South Dakota
28. Vermont
29. Washington

The age of consent commonly comes up in allegations involving the following offenses:

Sexual Assault of a Child

Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child

Indecency by Exposure and Indecency by Contact

Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child

Online Solicitation of a Minor

Federal Law and Age of Consent

Federal law mandates that individuals must be at least 18 to consent to sexual activity if the activity involves interstate travel or online communication with a minor. This means that even if a state’s age of consent is lower than 18, the federal standard will apply in specific cases. This rule is particularly relevant for cases involving internet communication, such as online solicitation or sharing explicit materials.

Conclusion

The age of consent varies significantly across the United States, and understanding these differences is essential for legal awareness. Knowing both state and federal laws is especially important, as the consequences for violations can be severe. If you have questions or concerns regarding age of consent laws, consulting with a legal professional can provide clarity and guidance.