Romeo and Juliet Laws, Explained State by State
Close-in-age exemptions decide whether two teenagers close in age are treated as a couple or as a crime. The rule changes at every state line, the wording is buried in statute, and almost nobody explains it clearly. That is what this site is for.
Educational information only — not legal advice.
The short answer
What is a Romeo and Juliet law?
A “Romeo and Juliet law” is the everyday name for a close-in-age exemption: a provision that reduces or removes criminal liability when two young people are sexually active and the age gap between them is small, even though one of them is below the state’s age of consent.
Three things to know before you read anything else.
- There is no federal Romeo and Juliet law. Every rule described on this site comes from a specific state statute.
- Not every state has one. Some states have a full exemption, some have only an affirmative defence you must raise in court, and some have neither.
- The gap is what matters, not the relationship. These provisions turn on the number of years between the two people, and usually on both being above a floor age.
How these laws actually work
The three questions every state asks
How old is the younger person?
Most states set a floor. Below that age, no close-in-age provision applies at all, no matter how small the gap is. Above it, the exemption may come into play.
How wide is the age gap?
This is the heart of it. States commonly allow a gap of two, three, four or five years. One day past the limit and the analysis changes completely.
Is there a position of trust?
Teachers, coaches, guardians, employers. Nearly every state removes the exemption where one person holds authority over the other, whatever the ages are.
State by state
Find the rule that applies where you live
Age of consent, close-in-age gap, whether the provision is an exemption or a defence, and what it means for sex-offender registration. Pick a state to open its guide.
Latest
Recent guides and updates
Common questions
Questions people actually ask
Does a Romeo and Juliet law make the relationship legal?
Not always. In some states the provision is a true exemption, which means the conduct is not a crime. In others it is an affirmative defence, which means a charge can still be filed and the defence has to be raised and proved in court. The practical difference is enormous, and it is one of the first things each state guide sets out.
Is the rule the same everywhere in the United States?
No. Age of consent in the US ranges from 16 to 18 depending on the state, and the close-in-age allowance ranges from nothing at all to roughly five years. Crossing a state line can change the answer entirely, including for people who travel or move.
Does it stop someone being placed on the sex-offender registry?
Sometimes, and only sometimes. Registration is governed by a separate set of statutes from the offence itself. A state can decline to prosecute, or reduce a charge, and still require registration — or allow a later petition for removal. Each state guide covers registration separately for exactly this reason.
Why is it called a Romeo and Juliet law?
It is a nickname, not a legal term. It is used as shorthand for consensual conduct between two people close in age. You will almost never see the phrase in the statute itself — look instead for wording about an age difference of a set number of years.
Can this site tell me whether I am in trouble?
No. This site explains what the law says in general terms so you can understand the landscape and ask better questions. It cannot apply the law to your situation, and nothing here creates a lawyer-client relationship. If you are facing an accusation, a charge, or an investigation, speak to a criminal defence lawyer licensed in your state before you do anything else.
This is information, not advice
Romeo and Juliet laws sit inside criminal statutes, and the consequences of getting them wrong are severe. Everything here is written to help you understand the framework — it is not a substitute for a lawyer who knows your state and your facts.