Also known as a “close in age exception,” Romeo and Juliet laws are designed to protect teens and young lovers who are close in age to each other from prosecution when one is on the wrong side of the age of consent line. In Maryland, this limit is three years.

Can a 16-year-old date a 20 year old in MD?

The answer to the question is contained in the trite but partly true expression that “15 will get you 20”. The general rule is that the age at which a young person can legally consent to engage in vaginal intercourse, sexual contact, or a sexual act with another person is 16 years.

Can a 13-year-old date a 16-year-old in Maryland?

Md. Charges can vary based on the age differences between the victim and the offender. Thus a 13-year-old can consent to intercourse with a 16-year-old; but that same 13-year-old cannot consent to intercourse with a 17-year-old.

Can a 19 year old date a 16 year old in Maryland?

Nationwide, the age of consent for sexual activity ranges from 16 to 18. In Maryland, the age of consent is 16 years old. As long as the age difference between the couple is within three years of each other and the minor is over the age of 14, a sexual relationship will not be considered statutory rape.