Statutory Rape in Maryland

The age of consent in Maryland is 16 years old. Statutory rape is one of the charges you might face if you engage in sexual activity with someone less than 16 years old. There are other crimes that you could be convicted of as well. Under Maryland law there are prohibitions against sexual relations between adults that have authority and minors. For instance, you could face criminal charges if you are a teacher or employed by a school, if you have sexual relations with a student.

The main factor considered is the age of the victim. That is, the age of the minor who the defendant engaged in sexual acts with. If the victim is under 16 years old, then it does not matter if they willfully engaged in sexual acts with the charged person. Even if the victim initiated the sexual acts you could be charged, convicted, sent to jail and fined.

Consent is not irrelevant though. If you engage in sexual acts with someone without their consent than that is a crime as well. Maryland does not take molestation, rape, or any type of sexual abuse lightly. Someone that is accused of committing sexual acts with another person without their consent could be prosecuted for various crimes, including but not limited to, rape, sexual assault, and battery.

Maryland Age of Consent

Below is chart referencing the age of a victim, the age of a defendant or partner and the applicable criminal charge.