The legal age to consent to sex in Ohio is 16. Laws are different in every state.
Age-Related Sex Offenses in Ohio
Victim Age Suspect Age Legal? Penalty
13 13-17 Yes
13 18-22 No F4
13 23 and older No F3
14 13-17 Yes
14 18-23 No F4
14 24 and older No F3
15 13-17 Yes
15 18 No M1
15 19-24 No F4
15 25 and older No F3
16 18 and older Yes
If the offender is 18 or over and the victim is under 13, the offense is rape, a 1st degree felony with up to life in prison.
If the offender is 18 or over, but less than 4 years older than the victim, and the victim is 13-15, the offense is unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a 1st degree misdemeanor.
If the offender is 18 or over and the victims is 13-15, the offense is unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a 4th degree felony.
If the offender is 10 or more years older than the victim and the victim is 13-15, the offense is unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, a 3rd degree felony.
If the offender is 13-17 and the victim is 13-17, this is not a sex offense unless it is forced or coerced. Parents may intervene with other charges like contributing to the unruliness or delinquency of a child or interfere with custody, though these are not sex offenses.
