Most states have some form of “Romeo and Juliet” close-in-age exception, but a number do not—meaning consensual teen relationships can still trigger statutory rape charges....
Several U.S. states have no Romeo and Juliet law, meaning there’s no close-in-age exemption to statutory rape charges. In those states, even consensual teen relationships...
About 12 states have no Romeo and Juliet (close-in-age) exemption. In these states, consensual teen relationships can still trigger statutory rape charges, sex-offender registration, and...
About 11 U.S. states have no Romeo and Juliet (close-in-age) exception in their statutes. In these states, consensual teen relationships may still trigger statutory rape...
As of 2026, at least 13 U.S. states have no Romeo and Juliet (close-in-age) exemption in their age-of-consent laws. In these states, consensual teen relationships...
There isn’t one official nationwide count of what states don’t have Romeo and Juliet laws because “close‑in‑age” exceptions vary by statute and interpretation. Many states...
Not all 50 states have a true “Romeo and Juliet” close-in-age exemption—several states lack one or only offer limited defenses that don’t prevent arrest or...
Several states have no Romeo and Juliet (close-in-age) exemptions, meaning statutory rape charges can apply even to consensual teens. In these jurisdictions, you need a...
Several U.S. states do not have Romeo and Juliet laws (close-in-age exemptions), so consensual teen relationships can still trigger statutory charges. In these states, age-of-consent...
As of 2026, 11 states do not have a clear “Romeo and Juliet” close‑in‑age exemption in their criminal statutes. In these states, consensual teen relationships...
Romeo and Juliet laws are close-in-age exemptions that reduce or prevent charges when both partners are typically within 2–4 years and the younger is above...
