Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Maryland

Is it legal for a girl that just recently turned nineteen this month in February to be in a relationship with a boy that is fifteen years old and will be turning sixteen in October? I really need to know this information before the girl gets into trouble for being with him.


Asked on 2/17/10, 11:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

The legal age of consent in Maryland is 16 - meaning that a 15 year old is too young to consent to sexual contact of any kind. If there is 4 years or greater age difference and one of the parties is under 16, the older person can be criminally responsible and jailed, even if they did not know about the age difference and even if the younger person consents. Sometimes the line between seriously illegal and just strongly discouraged comes down to the birthday month, but one would be well advised to stay far away from this type of relationship.

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Answered on 2/26/10, 9:48 am


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