Can you be Charged if you Didn't Know They Were a Minor
I don't understand how I could be charged when she said she was 18 and looked older.
The law focuses on the actual age of the minor, not how old they look or what you believe.
But she asked me to meet her and even sent nude photos.
Even if the minor initiated contact or appeared willing, the law still protects minors from sexual exploitation.
So, it doesn't matter that the website said users have to be 18?
Correct.
Age restrictions on websites don't change the legal age of consent, which is set by state law.
What exactly am I charged with then?
Charges like endangering the welfare of a minor and sexual assault relate to engaging in sexual activity with someone under the legal age, regardless of consent.
So, the law used to call this statutory rape?
Yes, that term has changed in many places, but the principle remains the same, protecting minors from sexual activity with adults.
It's hard to accept, but I see why the law is strict on this.
Exactly.
The law's priority is the protection and welfare of minors, regardless of appearances or circumstances.