What Is The Age Of Consent? Understanding the age of consent and related regulations is critical for both protecting children and ensuring compliance with the law. At what.edu.vn, we offer a free platform to answer any questions you may have about this topic and more, providing clarity and peace of mind. Delve into this comprehensive guide to learn about state laws, reporting requirements, and the nuances that define the legal landscape.
1. Defining the Age of Consent: An Overview
The age of consent refers to the minimum age at which an individual is legally allowed to engage in sexual activity. This age varies by state and is designed to protect minors from sexual exploitation. Understanding the age of consent is crucial for preventing statutory rape and ensuring that young people are not subjected to harmful or coercive sexual relationships. This article will explore the nuances of state statutory rape laws and reporting requirements, providing a detailed summary of laws for each state and the District of Columbia.
2. Historical Context of Statutory Rape Laws
The term “statutory rape” describes sexual acts that would be legal if not for the age of at least one of the parties involved. These laws assume that sexual activities with individuals below a certain age are coercive, even if both parties believe their participation is voluntary.
2.1. Evolution of Statutory Rape Laws
As Michelle Oberman discusses in “Regulating Consensual Sex with Minors: Defining a Role for Statutory Rape,” the theoretical underpinnings of statutory rape laws have dramatically changed since their inception. Originally, these laws aimed to protect the chastity of young women. Today, the primary intent is to protect minors from sexual exploitation.
2.2. Influence of Feminism
The emergence of feminism heavily influenced changes to statutory rape laws. In the late 19th century, feminists sought to increase the age of consent to protect young women from potentially coercive relationships. As a result, the average age of consent was raised from 12 to 18 years old. Second-wave feminists in the 1970s challenged the underlying principles of statutory rape laws, advocating for gender-neutral laws and ensuring that the laws did not unduly restrict the sexual autonomy of young women.
3. Types of Laws Covered in This Report
This report focuses on laws that criminalize voluntary sexual acts involving a minor that would be legal if not for the age of one or more of the participants. It does not include laws where the legality of the sexual acts depends on the relationship of the participants (e.g., incest, sex between teachers and students or doctors and patients). Additionally, the summaries do not include laws that criminalize specific sexual behavior (e.g., sodomy, bestiality) or primarily deal with prostitution, sexual exploitation, or enticement.
3.1. Sources of Laws
The laws referenced in this report generally come from two areas of states’ statutes:
- The descriptions of criminal sexual acts are based on information from states’ criminal or penal codes.
- Information on states’ reporting requirements is usually found in the section of the code dealing with juveniles, children and families, domestic relationships, or social services.
Most reporting requirements deal primarily with child abuse. Although these laws also address neglect, child maltreatment, and non-sexual abuse, this report focuses only on those sections of the laws addressing sexual abuse. It also indicates where the applicability of states’ reporting requirements is limited based on the relationship between the victim and defendant.
4. Overview of Current State Laws
Few states use the term “statutory rape” in their codes. Instead, criminal codes specify the legality of specific sexual acts. The applicable laws are often embedded in the section of the code dealing with other sexual offenses, such as sexual assault and forcible rape.
4.1. Sexual Intercourse with Minors
States’ statutory rape offenses detail the age at which an individual can legally consent to sexual activity. This section focuses on laws addressing sexual intercourse.
4.1.1. Key Provisions
Table 1 summarizes, where applicable, each state’s:
- Age of consent: The age at which an individual can legally consent to sexual intercourse under any circumstances.
- Minimum age of victim: The age below which an individual cannot consent to sexual intercourse under any circumstances.
- Age differential: If the victim is above the minimum age and below the age of consent, the age differential is the maximum difference in age between the victim and the defendant where an individual can legally consent to sexual intercourse.
- Minimum age of defendant in order to prosecute: The age below which an individual cannot be prosecuted for engaging in sexual activities with minors. The table notes those states in which this law only applies when the victim is above a certain age.
4.1.2. Variations in Age of Consent
The age of consent varies by state. In the majority of states (34), it is 16 years of age. In the remaining states, the age of consent is either 17 or 18 years old (6 and 11 states, respectively). A common misperception about statutory rape is that state codes define a single age at which an individual can legally consent to sex. Only 12 states have a single age of consent. In the remaining 39 states, other factors come into play, such as age differentials, minimum age of the victim, and minimum age of the defendant.
4.1.3. Minimum Age Requirement
In 27 states that do not have a single age of consent, statutes specify the age below which an individual cannot legally engage in sexual intercourse regardless of the age of the defendant. The minimum age requirements in these states range from 10 to 16 years of age. The legality of sexual intercourse with an individual who is above the minimum age requirement and below the age of consent is dependent on the difference in ages between the two parties and/or the age of the defendant.
4.1.4. Age Differential
In 27 states, the legality of engaging in sexual intercourse with minors is, at least in some circumstances, based on the difference in age between the two parties. In 12 of these states, the legality is based solely on the difference between the ages of the two parties.
4.1.5. Minimum Age of Defendant
Sixteen states set age thresholds for defendants, below which individuals cannot be prosecuted for engaging in sexual intercourse with minors. States that set a minimum age of the defendant also tend to have minimum age requirements for the victim. Often, the age of the defendant is only relevant if the victim is above the minimum age requirement.
Table 1: State Age Requirements for Sexual Intercourse
| State | Age of Consent | Minimum Age of Victim | Age Differential (Victim Above Minimum Age) | Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16 | 12 | 2 | 16 |
| Alaska | 16 | N/A | 3 | N/A |
| Arizona | 18 | 15 | 2 (defendant must be in high school, < 19) | N/A |
| Arkansas | 16 | N/A | 3 (if victim < 14) | 20 (if victim ≥ 14) |
| California | 18 | 18 | N/A | N/A |
| Colorado | 17 | N/A | 4 (if victim < 15), 10 (if victim < 17) | N/A |
| Connecticut | 16 | N/A | 2 | N/A |
| Delaware | 18 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| District of Columbia | 16 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Florida | 18 | 16 | N/A | 24 (if victim ≥ 16) |
| Georgia | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Hawaii | 16 | 14 | 5 | N/A |
| Idaho | 18 | 18 | N/A | N/A |
| Illinois | 17 | 17 | N/A | N/A |
| Indiana | 16 | 14 | N/A | 18 (if victim ≥ 14) |
| Iowa | 16 | 14 | 4 | N/A |
| Kansas | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Kentucky | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Louisiana | 17 | 13 | 3 (if victim < 15), 2 (if victim < 17) | N/A |
| Maine | 16 | 14 | 5 | N/A |
| Maryland | 16 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Massachusetts | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Michigan | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Minnesota | 16 | N/A | 3 (if victim < 13), 2 (if victim < 16) | N/A |
| Mississippi | 16 | N/A | 2 (if victim < 14), 3 (if victim < 16) | N/A |
| Missouri | 17 | 14 | N/A | 21 (if victim ≥ 14) |
| Montana | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| Nebraska | 16 | 16 | N/A | 19 |
| Nevada | 16 | 16 | N/A | 18 |
| New Hampshire | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A |
| New Jersey | 16 | 13 | 4 | N/A |
| New Mexico | 16 | 13 | 4 | 18 (if victim ≥ 13) |
| New York | 17 | 17 | N/A | N/A |
| North Carolina | 16 | N/A | 4 | 12 |
| North Dakota | 18 | 15 | N/A | 18 (if victim ≥ 15) |
| Ohio | 16 | 13 | N/A | 18 (if victim ≥ 13) |
| Oklahoma | 16 | 14 | N/A | 18 (if victim > 14) |
| Oregon | 18 | 15 | 3 | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | 16 | 13 | 4 | N/A |
| Rhode Island | 16 | 14 | N/A | 18 (if victim ≥ 14) |
| South Carolina | 16 | 14 | Illegal if victim is 14 to 16 and defendant is older | N/A |
| South Dakota | 16 | 10 | 3 | N/A |
| Tennessee | 18 | 13 | 4 | N/A |
| Texas | 17 | 14 | 3 | N/A |
| Utah | 18 | 16 | 10 | N/A |
| Vermont | 16 | 16 | N/A | 16 |
| Virginia | 18 | 15 | N/A | 18 (if victim ≥ 15) |
| Washington | 16 | N/A | 2 (if victim < 12), 3 (if victim < 14), 4 (if victim < 16) | N/A |
| West Virginia | 16 | N/A | 4 (if victim ≥ 11) | 16, 14 (if victim < 11) |
| Wisconsin | 18 | 18 | N/A | N/A |
| Wyoming | 16 | N/A | 4 | N/A |
Note: Some states have marital exemptions. This table assumes the two parties are not married to one another.
4.2. Definition of Offenses
States’ laws addressing sexual activity involving minors are usually included in the section of the criminal code devoted to sexual offenses. Each state summary includes a table detailing all of the offenses in the statute that deal with statutory rape. Most states do not have laws that specifically use the term “statutory rape.” More often, state statutes include a variety of offenses addressing voluntary sexual activity involving minors.
4.2.1. Variations in Terminology
State statutes use a variety of terms when referring to sexual acts, such as sexual intercourse, sexual penetration, sexual contact, and indecent contact, and the definitions of these terms are not always consistent across states. Understanding the different terms used in a state statute is especially important in those states where an individual may be able to legally consent to one type of sexual activity but not another.
4.2.2. Penalties and Severity
Although the primary focus of this report is not the punishments associated with statutory rape, the offenses in each state summary are listed in ascending order based on their severity. The severity of the crime is usually dependent on the nature of the sexual activities and the age of the victim and/or defendant. Depending on the state, defendants may be exempt from prosecution if they are married to the victim.
4.3. Child Abuse Reporting Requirements
Statutory rape reporting requirements are generally found in the sections of states’ codes that deal with juveniles, children and families, domestic relationships, or social services, whereas the criminal or penal codes address the legality of specific offenses.
4.3.1. Inclusion of Statutory Rape in Reporting Requirements
State statutes vary in the extent to which statutory rape is included in the reporting requirements. In approximately one-third of the states, mandated reporting is limited to those situations where the abuse was perpetrated or allowed by a person responsible for the care of the child. In two-thirds of the states, the statutes specify circumstances under which child abuse is a reportable offense irrespective of the defendant’s relationship to the victim.
4.3.2. Mandatory Reporters
Each state’s reporting requirements identify certain individuals who are required to notify the authorities of suspected abuse. Mandated reporters are typically individuals who encounter children through their professional capacity. Common professions include physical and mental health providers, teachers, child care workers, legal professionals, clergy members, and employees of state agencies that deal with children and families. In addition, some states designate any individual who provides care or treatment to children as a mandatory reporter.
4.3.3. Reporting Process
To varying degrees of specificity, all state statutes provide mandated reporters with instructions for the reporting process. States generally require that mandated reporters notify the appropriate authorities within one to three days of encountering a case of suspected abuse. Mandated reporters can usually make an initial report orally, via telephone. Approximately two-thirds of states require mandated reporters to follow their initial report with a more detailed written report. The reporting laws usually specify one or more agencies to which reports should be made.
4.3.4. State Response
Each state summary highlights the required response of the state and local agencies that receive reports of suspected child abuse. State statutes vary in the level of detail they provide. Generally, they include requirements addressing which entities, if any, the agency receiving the initial report must notify, the timeframe for this notification, and the requirements for investigating reported abuse. States have two primary objectives when responding to allegations of child abuse: ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the child in question, and conducting an investigation to determine if the reported abuse constitutes a criminal act.
5. State-Specific Summaries: A Detailed Look
Understanding the nuances of statutory rape laws and reporting requirements requires a state-by-state analysis. The following section summarizes the laws for each state and the District of Columbia, providing detailed information on age of consent, minimum age of victim, age differentials, and reporting obligations.
Alabama
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 12
- Age Differential: 2 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 16
Alabama law specifies that if the defendant is 16 or older and more than two years older than the victim, they are guilty of rape in the second degree. Sexual contact is illegal if the defendant is 19 or older.
Alaska
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 3 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Alaska law includes four offenses dealing specifically with the sexual abuse of a minor. Engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is more than three years older.
Arizona
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 15
- Age Differential: 2 years (defendant must be in high school and < 19)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Arizona law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 18 is illegal unless the defendant is in high school, under 19, and no more than two years older than the victim.
Arkansas
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 3 years (if victim < 14)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 20 (if victim ≥ 14)
Arkansas law specifies that if the victim is under 14, the defendant must be at least three years older. If the victim is 14 or older, the defendant must be at least 20 years old to face prosecution.
California
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 18
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
California law states that any sexual activity with someone under 18 is illegal. The law does not specify an age differential or minimum age of the defendant.
Colorado
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 4 years (if victim < 15), 10 years (if victim < 17)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Colorado law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 17 is illegal. If the victim is under 15, the defendant must be at least four years older. If the victim is under 17, the defendant must be at least 10 years older.
Connecticut
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 2 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Connecticut law states that engaging in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is more than two years older than the victim.
Delaware
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Delaware law specifies that sexual acts with individuals who are at least 16 years of age are only illegal if the defendant is 30 years of age or older.
District of Columbia
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
The District of Columbia law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 if the defendant is four or more years older than the victim.
Florida
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 24 (if victim ≥ 16)
Florida law states that sexual activity with someone under 18 is illegal. If the victim is 16 or older, the defendant must be at least 24 years old to face prosecution.
Georgia
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Georgia law specifies that all sexual activities with someone under 16 are illegal.
Hawaii
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: 5 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Hawaii law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 if the defendant is more than five years older than the victim.
Idaho
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 18
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Idaho law states that intercourse with a female who is less than 18 years of age is illegal regardless of the age of the defendant.
Illinois
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: 17
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Illinois law specifies that any sexual activity with someone under 17 is illegal.
Indiana
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim ≥ 14)
Indiana law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16. If the victim is 14 or older, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
Iowa
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Iowa law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is more than four years older than the victim.
Kansas
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Kansas law specifies that all sexual activities with someone under 16 are illegal.
Kentucky
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Kentucky law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16.
Louisiana
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: 3 years (if victim < 15), 2 years (if victim < 17)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Louisiana law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 17 is illegal. If the victim is under 15, the defendant must be at least three years older. If the victim is under 17, the defendant must be at least two years older.
Maine
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: 5 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Maine law specifies that it is illegal to engage in a sexual act with someone who is less than 14 years of age regardless of the age of the defendant.
Maryland
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Maryland law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is more than four years older than the victim.
Massachusetts
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Massachusetts law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16.
Michigan
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Michigan law specifies that it is illegal to engage in a sexual penetration with someone who is less than 16 years of age.
Minnesota
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 3 years (if victim < 13), 2 years (if victim < 16)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Minnesota law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal. If the victim is under 13, the defendant must be at least three years older. If the victim is under 16, the defendant must be at least two years older.
Mississippi
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 2 years (if victim < 14), 3 years (if victim < 16)
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Mississippi law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16. If the victim is under 14, the defendant must be at least two years older. If the victim is under 16, the defendant must be at least three years older.
Missouri
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 21 (if victim ≥ 14)
Missouri law specifies that it is illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 17. If the victim is 14 or older, the defendant must be at least 21 years old to face prosecution.
Montana
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Montana law states that sexual intercourse with someone who is less than 16 years of age is illegal regardless of the age of the defendant.
Nebraska
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 19
Nebraska law makes it illegal to debauch or deprave morals by lewdly inducing someone less than 17 years of age to carnally know any other person.
Nevada
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18
Nevada law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone who is under 16 years of age is illegal only if the defendant is at least 18 years of age (the age at which the defendant can be prosecuted).
New Hampshire
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 16
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
New Hampshire law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16.
New Jersey
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
New Jersey law states that it is illegal to engage in a sexual penetration with someone who is less than 13 years of age regardless of the age of the defendant.
New Mexico
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim ≥ 13)
New Mexico law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is more than four years older than the victim. If the victim is 13 or older, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
New York
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: 17
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
New York law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 17.
North Carolina
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: N/A
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 12
North Carolina law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal if the defendant is at least four years older than the victim and at least 12 years of age (the age at which the defendant can be prosecuted).
North Dakota
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 15
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim ≥ 15)
North Dakota law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone under 18 is illegal. If the victim is 15 or older, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
Ohio
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim ≥ 13)
Ohio law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16. If the victim is 13 or older, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
Oklahoma
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim > 14)
Oklahoma law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal. If the victim is over 14, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
Oregon
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 15
- Age Differential: 3 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Oregon law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone under 18 is illegal if the defendant is more than three years older than the victim.
Pennsylvania
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse with someone under 16 if the defendant is more than four years older than the victim.
Rhode Island
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: N/A
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: 18 (if victim ≥ 14)
Rhode Island law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal. If the victim is 14 or older, the defendant must be at least 18 years old to face prosecution.
South Carolina
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: Illegal if victim is 14 to 16 and defendant is older
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
South Carolina law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone under 16 is illegal. If the victim is between 14 and 16, it is illegal if the defendant is older than the victim.
South Dakota
- Age of Consent: 16
- Minimum Age of Victim: 10
- Age Differential: 3 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
South Dakota law makes it illegal to engage in sexual penetration with someone between 10 and 16 years of age unless the defendant is less than three years older than the victim.
Tennessee
- Age of Consent: 18
- Minimum Age of Victim: 13
- Age Differential: 4 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Tennessee law states that sexual intercourse with someone under 18 is illegal if the defendant is more than four years older than the victim.
Texas
- Age of Consent: 17
- Minimum Age of Victim: 14
- Age Differential: 3 years
- Minimum Age of Defendant to Prosecute: N/A
Texas law specifies that sexual intercourse with someone under 17 is illegal if the defendant is more than three years older than the victim.
Utah
- **Age of Consent
