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Posted on August 18, 2025 in Arizona Law
Relationships between teenagers and young adults can raise complicated legal questions. In Arizona, the difference of just a few years in age may determine whether a relationship is completely legal or could expose one party to serious criminal charges.
If you’re wondering whether a 16-year-old girl can date a 19-year-old boy in Arizona, the answer depends on what the relationship involves. Dating in the casual sense (meaning spending time and being “boyfriend and girlfriend”) is not prohibited. However, once the relationship becomes sexual, Arizona law imposes very clear rules that cannot be ignored.
Arizona law sets the age of consent at 18 years old. That means anyone under 18 is generally considered legally incapable of consenting to sex, even if they willingly participate.
Because of this, if a 19-year-old engages in sexual activity with a 16-year-old, they may be charged under Arizona’s statutory rape laws (legally called sexual conduct with a minor). This is true even if the younger person initiated the relationship or the two consider it consensual.
Penalties for violating this law can be extremely severe, including prison time and mandatory sex offender registration.
Arizona does recognize that not all relationships between young people are predatory or abusive. That’s why there is a limited “Romeo and Juliet” exception.
This law allows for consensual sexual activity when:
This exception is designed to prevent the criminalization of relationships between peers who are close in age. However, once the older person turns 19, the exception no longer applies if the younger partner is 16. That means a sexual relationship between a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old does not fall within the protection of the Romeo and Juliet law.
It’s important to understand that Arizona law does not regulate friendships or romantic relationships that don’t involve sex. This means that a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old can still legally date each other in the state as long as those kinds of behaviors aren’t involved.
The legal risks only come into play when sexual activity occurs. While parents and prosecutors might view these relationships differently from a moral perspective, they do not fall under statutory rape laws unless there is sexual conduct present.
If someone is accused of sexual conduct with a minor in Arizona, there may be defenses available to you depending on the facts. However, remember that mistaking a person’s age is not a defense. Even if the minor lies about being older, the law generally does not excuse the older party.
Some common defenses that may or may not apply include:
Because the penalties are so severe, anyone facing charges needs immediate legal help from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
In Arizona, a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old can date, but they cannot engage in sexual activity without risking serious sex crimes charges. The age of consent is 18, and the Romeo and Juliet exception does not apply to a relationship where the older person is already 19.
If you are concerned about a relationship that falls into this category, or if charges have already been filed, the best step you can take is to speak with an experienced Phoenix sex crimes attorney.
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.
