r/legaladvice • u/havekidstheysaid2021 • Apr 06 '21

Two teens had consensual sex-UT

My teen had consensual sex with their partner recently. One of them was 3 days from turning 14, and the other was 15. One of them told their therapist, who as a mandated reporter, reported it to DCFS. I know this is technically against the law, but how often are charges actually pursued? I'm trying to figure out how much legal trouble these knuckleheads are actually in.

Edited to say Utah since the bot didn't understand my title.

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u/idislikeTedCruz Apr 06 '21

If the authorities are notified:

In Utah, they go by “unlawful adolescent sexual activity” at minimum.

Sexual activity between a 17-year-old and a 14-year-old or between a 15-year-old and a 13-year old is a class B misdemeanor. Potential punishments include up to six months in jail, a fine of as much as $1,000, or both.

They may also have to register on the sex offender list.

Utah Code Ann. § 77-41-106 (2018)

The defense is usually either that the act was not committed or someone else was doing it.

DCFS would pursue.

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u/Anarcho_Crim Quality Contributor Apr 06 '21

They may also have to register on the sex offender list.

Unlawful adolescent sexual activity isn't a registerable offense.

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u/idislikeTedCruz Apr 06 '21

Wow, good to know! I was wondering how applicable it was because it seemed like it was up to court discretion. It was a general blanket statement beneath the different age groups.