questions & answers

Question: When I was 16 my dad found out about me having sexual relations with an 18 year old which was my boyfriend at that time. My dad forced me to take my ex boyfriend to court and tell the court that he raped me so now he has charges on him. I was wondering if there is anything I can change now that I am 18 maybe I can have those charges taken of???

Answer: The age of consent in Arizona is 18. This means that at that age an individual can have sex with whomever they wish as long as that person is consenting and they are the same age or older. To have sex with someone under the age of consent is a strict liability crime (in most states) known as statutory rape. It is often referred to by other names such as sexual assault, sexual misconduct with a child, etc. It may be difficult to have those charges reversed once the underaged person turns 18. You may want to talk with an attorney.