Lately, there have been a rash of postings at some of the internet question and answer lawyer sites such as Lawyers.com and AVVO, about the wisdom of an adult dating a minor child. The general consensus among most attorneys responding to that question, is that it is not a very good idea, and for the person’s own protection, they should date someone their own age. The question starts out as “is it ok to make out (or ‘neck’) but not have sexual intercourse?” The answer I have given and most other attorneys responding have provided is “making out,” can lead to other things and once that leads into “other things” you may have crossed the line and committed a crime. It is not just a sex offense to have sexual intercourse or oral sex with a minor. Inappropriate touching, grabbing, fondling, may be “child enticement”. You wouldn’t think you would have to tell people to avoid this type of contact, but that is why it is not a good idea to date or have “make out” with a minor. The best advice we can provide someone who posts a question like that, is to date someone your own age, who is already an adult. If you are 18 and the person you are dating is 17 1/2, they are still a minor. You can be charged criminally and be labeled a sex offender for the rest of your life. It is just not worth it.

Former first lady, Nancy Reagan recently died and she had great advice while her husband was the President of the United States, she quipped, “whatever happened to just saying no?” As simple as that may sound, that is the best advice anyone can give to a person who has any thoughts of dating a minor child, whether it is a heterosexual relationship or in a gay relationship. Do not date a minor child. Do not make out with a minor. Do not think it is not going to lead to more intimate touching. Date someone your own age and avoid that person like the plague. When they turn 18 and if there is still an attraction, date the person when they become an adult, but not before.