Criminal Defense (Sex Crimes)

Romeo and Juliet laws—state close-in-age exemptions to statutory rape rules—can reduce or eliminate criminal liability when teens are near in age and the relationship is consensual. Because age-of-consent thresholds, allowable age gaps, and defenses vary widely by state, the same facts can lead to very different charges and penalties. This article explains how Romeo and […]

Romeo and Juliet laws are close-in-age exemptions that can reduce or eliminate statutory rape charges when both partners are minors or near in age, and they vary widely by state. In 2026, factors like minimum age, allowable age gap, and whether the older partner is 18+ can change outcomes from no crime to felony charges. […]