The legal age of consent is 18 in Florida. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be charged with statutory rape for having sexual activity with someone under that age. The Romeo and Juliet law in Florida may protect two people in a consenting relationship, even if one is under the legal consenting age.
This law can often apply to those between 14 and 17 years old, with the offender being no more than four years older. Their record must also be free of previous sex crimes, and the perceived victim must have said yes to the sexual activity.
There can be many advantages associated with using the Romeo and Juliet law, including:
Not Having to Register As a Sex Offender
One of the most standout benefits associated with the Florida Romeo and Juliet law is not having to register as a sex offender. This status is generally associated with sexually violent predators and people who have committed serious sexual crimes. However, the laws before the Romeo and Juliet law came into effect meant that even people in consenting relationships could be registered as sex offenders due to the age of consent.
This could have a devastating impact on a young person’s life. They may find it challenging to get work and live freely in particular neighborhoods and areas.
Reduced Fines and Sentence Lengths
When the Romeo and Juliet law is invoked in court, a lawyer may be able to fight for reduced fines and sentence lengths for those accused of engaging in sexual activity with someone under the legal age of consent.
If an alleged offender is eligible for this law, a felony charge may become a misdemeanor, and an offender’s record may be cleared after completing their sentence. If the courts still require someone to be registered as a sex offender, they may only need to remain on the registry for a short period.
Less Stigma
Most people wouldn’t see young people in relationships with other young people and immediately think they are sexual offenders. That was what they were until the Romeo and Juliet law was in place. It’s important to note that underage sexual activity is not legal. However, the law allows for less stigma regarding consensual sexual activity.
As a result, they may be less likely to experience the negative consequences such a conviction could bring to their personal, professional, and academic lives.
Smaller Burden on the Legal System
The justice system is overloaded. Criminal justice systems around the world are facing heavy caseloads and insufficient human and financial resources. When two consenting people have to navigate the legal system for sexual activity, they are placing an even more enormous burden on an already struggling system.
The introduction of age-of-consent laws like the Romeo and Juliet law often means fewer prosecutorial resources are needed. There can also be a reduced strain on correction facilities and a smaller backlog for cases to be heard. The courts may then have more time to focus on more serious legal matters.
While not all sexual activity cases involving minors will fall under Romeo and Juliet laws, many will. Lawyers can help their clients enjoy these advantages above when they can rely on this law in court.
