Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

So, I am 19 years old and there is a girl that I like who is 15. I was considering dating her when she turned 16, but by then i will be 20, turning 21. what is legally allowed when a 21 year old is dating a 16 year old. Is kissing illegal? I live in Massachusetts if that helps. I heard the age of consent is 16 here but I am not sure what that means for me and I have heard many different answers. Please help me clarify this so i don't get in trouble for following my heart.


Asked on 12/23/09, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
ERNEST BIANDO LAW OFFICE OF ERNEST T. BIANDO, LLC

MGL. c.265, s. 23. [Commonly known as the Statutory Rape Law]. Rape and abuse of child.

Whoever unlawfully has sexual intercourse or unnatural sexual intercourse, and abuses a child under 16 years of age, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years or, except as otherwise provided, for any term in a jail or house of correction. A prosecution commenced under this section shall neither be continued without a finding nor placed on file.

The law in Massachusetts.

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Answered on 1/02/10, 5:39 am


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