- posted: Nov. 17, 2025
Background:
EBM Law is vastly experienced with sex crimes, having handled many such cases at the state and federal levels. When a sex crime investigation is launched, investigators will immediately discern the ages and relationship of the accuser and the accused. Depending on the age and relationship of the parties, the same act may constitute additional charges or a different crime entirely. Understanding who can consent and when is vital to ensuring that your relationships are lawful.
Age of Consent and Romeo & Juliet Laws
In New Jersey, a person cannot legally consent to sex unless they are 16 years old or older. However, there are several exceptions to this statutory age of consent that may raise or lower the age depending on the parties involved:
- Under the state’s “Romeo and Juliet Law”, persons aged 13 and older may consent to sex with a person no older than four years their senior. This makes a relationship between an older party and a 13-15-year-old minor lawful as long as the partner is no more than four years older.
- If a minor-adult relationship is supervisory in nature–one party holds some kind of authority over the minor, such as a teacher or employer–then the age of consent automatically increases to 18. As such, a relationship that might have been lawful under New Jersey’s 16-year-old age of consent or Romeo And Juliet Law becomes illegal if a fiduciary relationship exists between the parties.
If a sexual relationship is not supported lawful consent as per the statutory age requirement, the older party may be charged with statutory rape in New Jersey. Statutory rape is a strict liability crime in New Jersey, meaning that any manifestation of consent or knowledge (or lack thereof) of the minor’s age is irrelevant. Prosecutors only must prove that a sexual act occurred.
Persons convicted of crimes associated with the age of consent may be required to register as sex offenders in the State of New Jersey, a result that can have life-altering consequences for those convicted.
EBM Law’s Experience
EBM Law is experienced in representing persons accused of crimes associated with the age of consent and understands that each case’s fact pattern and associated evidence are unique. If accused of a crime associated with the age of consent, the first step you must take is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. EBM Law understands the rights of the accused and fights relentlessly to ensure his clients are protected and that the facts of their cases remain correctly represented. If you have any questions about the age of consent, New Jersey sex crimes, or any other criminal matter, contact our offices at (732) 249-9933 for a free consultation.
- posted: Nov. 17, 2025
Background:
EBM Law is vastly experienced with sex crimes, having handled many such cases at the state and federal levels. When a sex crime investigation is launched, investigators will immediately discern the ages and relationship of the accuser and the accused. Depending on the age and relationship of the parties, the same act may constitute additional charges or a different crime entirely. Understanding who can consent and when is vital to ensuring that your relationships are lawful.
Age of Consent and Romeo & Juliet Laws
In New Jersey, a person cannot legally consent to sex unless they are 16 years old or older. However, there are several exceptions to this statutory age of consent that may raise or lower the age depending on the parties involved:
- Under the state’s “Romeo and Juliet Law”, persons aged 13 and older may consent to sex with a person no older than four years their senior. This makes a relationship between an older party and a 13-15-year-old minor lawful as long as the partner is no more than four years older.
- If a minor-adult relationship is supervisory in nature–one party holds some kind of authority over the minor, such as a teacher or employer–then the age of consent automatically increases to 18. As such, a relationship that might have been lawful under New Jersey’s 16-year-old age of consent or Romeo And Juliet Law becomes illegal if a fiduciary relationship exists between the parties.
If a sexual relationship is not supported lawful consent as per the statutory age requirement, the older party may be charged with statutory rape in New Jersey. Statutory rape is a strict liability crime in New Jersey, meaning that any manifestation of consent or knowledge (or lack thereof) of the minor’s age is irrelevant. Prosecutors only must prove that a sexual act occurred.
Persons convicted of crimes associated with the age of consent may be required to register as sex offenders in the State of New Jersey, a result that can have life-altering consequences for those convicted.
EBM Law’s Experience
EBM Law is experienced in representing persons accused of crimes associated with the age of consent and understands that each case’s fact pattern and associated evidence are unique. If accused of a crime associated with the age of consent, the first step you must take is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. EBM Law understands the rights of the accused and fights relentlessly to ensure his clients are protected and that the facts of their cases remain correctly represented. If you have any questions about the age of consent, New Jersey sex crimes, or any other criminal matter, contact our offices at (732) 249-9933 for a free consultation.
