What is unlawful sexual activity with a minor?
Florida's statute addresses sexual activity by a person 24 or older with a person 16 or 17 years old. It is a second-degree felony.
This is the offense that most often arises where both people say the relationship was consensual, where they were dating, and where neither made a complaint — the case originates from a parent, a school, or a third party.
Consent is not a defense. Neither, generally, is a mistaken belief about age. That combination is what makes this area unforgiving.
The specific ages matter enormously, on both sides, and small differences change which statute applies and what the exposure is. Dates of birth are worth establishing precisely and early.
Registration consequences attach to a conviction, and those consequences are lifelong in effect even where the sentence is not.
Because the age lines are sharp, how a case is charged and whether a resolution avoiding registration is available are the central questions.
The exact dates of birth change everything here. Bring them to the first meeting. ---
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