In Minnesota, as in other states, the law surrounding age of consent and teenage relationships can be both strict and confusing. It’s common for high school students and young adults to form romantic relationships, but when there’s an age gap and one party is under the legal age of consent, serious legal consequences can arise—even when the relationship is consensual. This is where the Romeo and Juliet Law in Minnesota becomes important.
Minnesota, unlike some states, does not have a statute explicitly titled the “Romeo and Juliet Law,” but it does include a close-in-age exemption in its sexual offense statutes. This legal provision can protect individuals from harsh prosecution when they are close in age and engaged in consensual activity.
This guide breaks down Minnesota’s age of consent laws, explains how the close-in-age exemption works, highlights court interpretations, and compares Minnesota with other states that have Romeo and Juliet-type protections.
What Is the Age of Consent in Minnesota?
The age of consent in Minnesota is 16 years old. This means that individuals aged 16 or older can legally engage in consensual sexual activity. However, sexual contact with a person under the age of 16 can be considered statutory rape under Minnesota law, depending on the circumstances.
The state adds additional legal protections for teens between the ages of 13 and 15 who engage in sexual activity with someone close to their age. These protections are part of Minnesota’s close-in-age exemption, which acts similarly to a Romeo and Juliet law.
Does Minnesota Have a Romeo and Juliet Law?
Minnesota does not use the specific name “Romeo and Juliet Law,” but the concept exists under Minnesota Statutes §609.344 and §609.345, which deal with criminal sexual conduct. These laws provide that consensual sexual activity between teens aged 13 to 15 and someone who is less than 24 months older is not considered a criminal offense.
This is Minnesota’s version of the Romeo and Juliet Law—an age-gap exemption that recognizes that consensual sexual behavior between peers close in age should not be prosecuted the same way as abusive or predatory acts.
Understanding Minnesota’s Close-in-Age Exemption
Minnesota law includes a two-year age gap exemption under specific conditions:
- The younger person is between 13 and 15 years old
- The older person is less than 24 months older
- The sexual activity is consensual
- The older person is not in a position of authority
If these criteria are met, the sexual activity may not be considered criminal sexual conduct under Minnesota law.
Real-World Case Example
In 2018, a 17-year-old Minnesota high school senior faced legal action for having consensual sex with a 15-year-old girlfriend. Because the age gap was less than 24 months and there was no coercion or abuse, prosecutors declined to file statutory rape charges. This highlights how Minnesota’s close-in-age rule protects young people from felony convictions in age-appropriate relationships.
What Happens If the Age Gap Is Too Large?
If the age difference exceeds 24 months and one party is under 16, the older person could face serious charges such as:
- Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Third Degree
- Up to 15 years in prison
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- A felony conviction
In cases where there is an abuse of authority (such as a teacher-student relationship), the close-in-age exemption does not apply.
Sex Offender Registration in Minnesota
Minnesota’s sex offender registry laws apply to individuals convicted of certain degrees of criminal sexual conduct. However, if someone qualifies for the close-in-age exemption or is charged under a lesser offense, sex offender registration may not be required.
This legal gray area makes it critical for teens and their families to seek legal guidance in such cases.
Teen Dating Laws in Minnesota 2025
As of 2025, dating itself is not illegal in Minnesota, regardless of age. However, once the relationship involves sexual activity, the age of the participants and the presence of authority become determining legal factors.
For example, a 15-year-old dating a 16-year-old is typically not problematic. But a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old engaging in sexual activity may trigger criminal charges unless the age gap is under 24 months.
Is It Legal to Date a 16-Year-Old in Minnesota?
Yes. A 16-year-old in Minnesota is above the legal age of consent. This means that someone aged 16 or older can legally engage in consensual sexual activity, regardless of the partner’s age, as long as no coercion or authority imbalance exists.
Romeo and Juliet Exception Minnesota: Legal Summary
The law applies to:
- Teens aged 13 to 15
- Partners who are less than 24 months older
- Consensual sexual activity only
- Situations with no authority or coercion
Minnesota’s version of the Romeo and Juliet law is based on protecting close-in-age teenage relationships from prosecution, but it is strictly limited in its scope.
Legal Expert Insight
According to Minneapolis-based criminal defense attorney Sarah Weinberger, “Minnesota’s two-year age-gap provision provides some relief, but the absence of broader protections puts many teens at legal risk. Prosecutors still hold considerable discretion.”
This is why defense attorneys in Minnesota often push for additional reforms to expand the close-in-age window beyond 24 months.
Parental Guidance for Minnesota Teens
Minnesota parents should:
- Educate teens about age of consent laws
- Emphasize that consent is not enough if one party is underage
- Warn about risks of dating significantly older or younger partners
- Talk about how online activity and sexting can lead to legal trouble
A proactive approach helps teens avoid criminal exposure and protect their future.
Romeo and Juliet Laws: State-by-State Comparison
Select Your State to Learn More
| State | Age of Consent | Romeo and Juliet Exception | Maximum Age Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 16 | Yes | < 2 years |
| Michigan | 16 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Maryland | 16 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Massachusetts | 16 | No | N/A |
| Maine | 16 | Yes | < 3 years |
| Louisiana | 17 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Texas | 17 | Yes | < 3 years |
| Florida | 18 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Georgia | 16 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Alabama | 16 | Yes | < 2 years |
| Illinois | 17 | Yes | < 5 years |
| Indiana | 16 | Yes | < 4 years |
| Arizona | 18 | Yes | < 2 years |
| Kentucky | 16 | No | N/A |
| South Carolina | 16 | Yes | < 4 years |
FAQs About Romeo and Juliet Law Minnesota
What is the age of consent in Minnesota?
The age of consent is 16 years old. Sexual activity with someone under this age may lead to prosecution.
Does Minnesota have a Romeo and Juliet law?
Yes, it’s not called by that name but exists as a two-year close-in-age exemption in criminal statutes.
What is the maximum age difference allowed?
The exemption applies if the older person is less than 24 months older than the younger individual.
Can a 17-year-old date a 15-year-old legally?
Yes, if the age gap is less than 24 months and the relationship is consensual.
Can a 19-year-old be with a 15-year-old?
Not legally. The two-year age-gap rule would not apply, and criminal charges are possible.
Is sex offender registration mandatory in these cases?
It depends on the charge. If protected by the age-gap exemption, registration may be avoided.
What happens if the relationship is coercive?
Any coercion, manipulation, or abuse disqualifies the exemption and results in criminal charges.
Does this law apply to same-sex couples?
Yes. The exemption applies equally, regardless of gender or orientation.
What if the older teen didn’t know the younger person’s age?
Mistake of age is not typically a valid defense under Minnesota law.
Can a judge drop the case based on mutual consent?
Judges have some discretion, but statutory rape laws are strict when the close-in-age rule doesn’t apply.
Is dating illegal in Minnesota?
No. Dating is not regulated. The law only addresses sexual activity involving minors under 16.
Can a parent press charges?
Parents can file police reports, but prosecution is handled by the state.
Are there proposed changes to expand the law?
Advocacy groups are pushing to expand the age-gap exemption to up to 3 or 4 years, but no legislation has passed yet.
Is the close-in-age exemption automatic?
No. It may need to be raised as a defense in court if charges are filed.
Should you get a lawyer if accused?
Yes. Always consult with a defense attorney if there’s any risk of statutory charges.
Conclusion
The Romeo and Juliet Law in Minnesota, while not explicitly named, plays a critical role in protecting teens involved in consensual relationships from being unfairly criminalized. The state’s two-year close-in-age exemption recognizes the difference between abusive behavior and relationships between peers.
However, the law’s strict limits mean that many teens and young adults are still at risk if they fall outside the exemption. Parents, educators, and teens should fully understand these laws to avoid unintended consequences. In any legal matter involving age of consent or criminal sexual conduct, always consult a qualified Minnesota criminal defense attorney.