Is it legal for a 17 year old to have consenting sex with a 20 year old?

[chootle]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tennessee.

I am aware that as I am the age of 17, Tennessee grants me the privilege to date someone up to 5 years older than me - meaning 22. However, I turn 18 in January, but I really like my boyfriend. He is 20 years old and we've never gone further than kissing, but as I am applying to colleges and scholarships, I wonder if that grants me the capability to have consenting intercourse with him. Is it illegal since I'm still 17 or will it be considered legal since I turn 18 in less than half a year?

 

[Taxing Matters]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tennessee.

I am aware that as I am the age of 17, Tennessee grants me the privilege to date someone up to 5 years older than me - meaning 22. However, I turn 18 in January, but I really like my boyfriend. He is 20 years old and we've never gone further than kissing, but as I am applying to colleges and scholarships, I wonder if that grants me the capability to have consenting intercourse with him. Is it illegal since I'm still 17 or will it be considered legal since I turn 18 in less than half a year?

You are not the one at risk here because you are the minor. However, in Tennessee it is not a crime for him to have sex with you (so long as you consent) as long as he is less than 4 years older than you are. Since you are 17 and he is 20, he is less than four years older than you are and should not have a problem. But if you wait until you are 18 in six months it won’t be a problem no matter how much older he is.

 

[chootle]

You are not the one at risk here because you are the minor. However, in Tennessee it is not a crime for him to have sex with you (so long as you consent) as long as he is less than 4 years older than you are. Since you are 17 and he is 20, he is less than four years older than you are and should not have a problem. But if you wait until you are 18 in six months it won’t be a problem no matter how much older he is.

He won't be charged with rape or anything having to with exploiting a minor since he's less than 4 years older than me then?

 

[CJane]

This is not legal advice, this is "Mom advice" from someone who has a 17 year old and a 16 year old (who, by March, will be 18 and 17). DO NOT have sex with this boy. In fact, at your age? Do not have sex with ANY boy. I know, it's old fashioned and crazy, but for real. There is a chance - however slight - that you will get pregnant. And that will tie you to this boy for the rest of your life. The. Rest. Of. Your. Life.

Just think about that.

I was 32 when I had an "unplanned pregnancy". I love my son to distraction, but I am tied to his father (who is a piece of ... ) forever. FOR.EVER. It's certainly not what I would have otherwise chosen at 32, and it's nowhere near what I would choose for anyone who is 18 and "applying to colleges".

Keep your house in order.