The Age of Consent in California: What You Need to Know

In California, the age of consent is 18 years old. This means adults over 18 cannot legally engage in sexual activity with a minor under 18. Here's what you need to know about California statutory rape laws:

Having sex with a minor is statutory rape under Penal Code 261.5. It's illegal even if the minor consents.

Statutory rape can be a misdemeanor or felony. Penalties get harsher if the adult is over 21 and the minor is under 16.

It's not a defense that the minor consented or lied about their age. Defenses include being falsely accused and reasonable belief the minor was 18.

There is no Romeo and Juliet law in CA. Minors close in age can still be prosecuted for statutory rape.

The only exception is if the minor is legally married to an adult. Normal dating is legal but no sexual contact until both are 18.

Adults in positions of authority cannot date minors like students. It's considered an abuse of power.

Lewd acts with minors under 14 (PC 288) have harsher penalties including sex offender registration.

The bottom line: 18 is the age of consent in California. Sex with minors under 18 is illegal and can lead to prosecution for statutory rape. Both parties can be prosecuted if neither are yet 18.