The Age of Consent
17-A M.R.S. § 254 — sixteen, and a crime when a 14 or 15 year old's partner is 5 years older
| The younger person | The older person | The crime |
|---|---|---|
| The younger person14 or 15, not a spouse | The older personAt least 5 years older | The crimeClass D |
| The younger person14 or 15, not a spouse | The older personAt least 10 years older, or a close relative | The crimeClass C |
| The younger person16 or 17, a student | The older person21 or older and working at the student's school | The crimeClass E, or Class D at 10 years older |
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
Reasonably believing the other person was at least 16 is a defense to the first two rows. Younger children are covered by other sections not set out here. A charge, or the worry of one, is a question for a licensed Maine attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- 17-A M.R.S. § 254 — Sexual abuse of minors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.