Can he go to jail??

[BUNNIEZ^_^]

Hey

My boyfriend and I lost our virginities to each other a bit after we'd been together for a year, which was in December last year. We were both 15 at the time, but he turned 16 on the 1st of January this year, while my birthday isn't until November.

We already know that this is illegal due to the fact that the age of consent where I live is 16. We also know that, when he turns 18 at the beginning of 2013, I will still be 17 for almost a year after that, so every time we have sex it will be 'statutory rape'.

I know it's still a year and a bit away, but I'm worried that if anyone ever told authorities, he could be criminally charged. Surely, considering we've been together so long, nothing would become of it? I'd just really like to know so we can be prepared if something ever arises. Thanks

[Dungeon Master]

Maybe you could go to the local police station and ask?

Or maybe the school counselor?

I'm sure there is an answer. Even if you have to abstain for 11 months. If you truly love each other, it will be worth it.

[Baxter]

Look up the close in age laws in your state. Most of the time, you're allowed up to a 2 year difference. The fact that you're only 1 year in between each other isn't a big deal, and no one would push that. Unless someone's purposely out to get him, you're fine .

[Heartlines.]

I have to agree with the posts above me. Why not just ask someone, or look it up further? I'm sure that no one would push it if you are in a committed relationship and started having sex when it was legal. But then again, cops can take things very seriously. So if you plan to have sex, make sure you keep your sex life private. The less people who know, the less people there is to leak the truth. And of course there is always the option of following the law (given you looked up or talked to the police about the law already, and it is in fact an issue), which would be the best thing. It'd be hard.. but it's worth it if you love each other.

[Dr.Bobby]

I do not know the specifics of the law in Australia (I'm a Yank), but in order for you to be 'Charged' with something (and hence, go to jail), someone must file a complaint with the police (or you have to get caught in the act by law enforcement). This is more of an issue hen one is much older than the other, usually a minor and and adult. So, the larger issue here (especially since you're both about the same age), is: Would your parents (the most likely people to file) OK with this relationship? If they aren't, then you might have more of a problem, and the underlying issue should be addressed so you're not as vulnerable.

[TheCrowing]

I'm also pretty sure that in some places, besides the few year difference or whatever that may be.. they say that if you were together before that person turned of legal age, it doesn't count as rape/illegal activity.

[Aletheia*]

I have heard, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, that as long as the younger person is within two years of the older person, it's not illegal. The only way your boyfriend would go to jail is if your parents made a complaint about him.

[Kyeto-X]

It varies from state to state, but most states allow a 2-5 year age difference for high school couples (I know, because for a few years i was just barely within that limit in Minnesota). They know that a young couple will still have sex even if one of them ages out of the limit. Unless someone purposefulness tries to turn your boyfriend in, you should be fine.

The best thing to do is to look up your local laws on the internet. (Or if you want to be old school, talk to a local police officer, or your school counselor in person).

[JellyBean4986]

I agree with what everyone else has said where you guys are so close in age you shouldn't have anything to worry about. I would try to look it up online or ask someone if you want to be sure.

[Dream]

I'm sorry I don't know the laws in Australia. I would recommend looking up the law and seeing what it actually says. It might be the case that they would prosecute the oldest person, or it might be the case that people within a certain age of each other are able to have sex. There is just really nothing helpful I can say except that you should find out for sure what the law is where you live. The 2-years thing is a law in some U.S. states, but in the U.S. it varies from state to state, and I don't know at all about outside the U.S.

[Ammonsa]

You should be fine. Like people above have said, there is a 2 year period where it's basically ok, and while it would technically be statutory rape, it's pretty much impossible to be enforced. Who's going to tell, anyway?