The Age of Consent
Minn. Stat. 609.344 — 16, and a felony when the actor is more than 24 months older
Sexual penetration of a complainant who is at least 14 but less than 16 years of age, by an actor more than 24 months older, is criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. Where the actor is no more than 60 months older, reasonably believing the complainant was 16 years of age or older is an affirmative defense the actor has to prove.
Who handles this in Minnesota: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Minnesota directory.
The sentence can be up to 15 years and a fine of up to $30,000, or up to five years where the actor was more than 24 but no more than 36 months older.
Younger complainants, other degrees, registration and the consequences of a conviction are in other sections not covered here. A charge, or the worry of one, is a question for a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 609.344 — Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.