Dating age laws in washington state

Tweens and teens are experiencing disturbing levels of violence in their dating relationships, but only half recognize the warning signs of a dangerous relationship.A 2008 study commissioned by Liz Claiborne and found: Abuse in a dating relationship can be confusing and frightening at any age.This offense is a class B felony, which incurs a fine of up to ,000, up to ten years in prison, or both.Third degree child molestation occurs when there is sexual contact between a minor who is 14 or 15, and a defendant who is at least four years older than the minor. § 9A.44.073, 9A.44.076, 9A.44.079, 9A.44.083, 9A.44.086, & 9A.44.089.) Defendants charged with statutory rape have the usual defenses available to all criminal defendants, such as “Someone else committed this crime, ”or “The alleged conduct did not occur.” However, beyond these, few defenses exist for statutory rape.But in Washington, even a reasonable mistake as to the victim's age will not be a defense to a charge of statutory rape.Named after Shakespeare’s young lovers, “Romeo and Juliet” exceptions are intended to prevent serious criminal charges against teenagers who engage in consensual sex with others close to their own age.This is because Washington has a marital exemption to the state’s statutory rape laws.

This offense is a also class A felony, which incurs a fine of up to ,000, up to life in prison, or both.Third degree rape of a child occurs when there is sexual intercourse between a minor who is 14 or 15, and a defendant who is at least four years older than the minor.This offense is a class C felony, which incurs a fine of up to ,000, up to five years in prison, or both.First degree child molestation occurs when there is sexual contact (sexual touching, even over clothing, without penetration) between a minor who is 11 or younger, and a defendant who is at least three years older than the minor.Second degree child molestation occurs when there is sexual contact between a minor who is 12 or 13, and a defendant who is at least three years older than the minor.