Charlie Rooney

J.D. from University of St. Thomas, Magna Cum Laude

Former prosecutor for County Attorney’s Office

Clerked for the Chief Judge of Hennepin County

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Eric Nelson

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2022)

Named one of the TOP 40 UNDER 40 by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

"Rising Star" from 2004-2013

"Super Lawyer" 2014, 2015 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019

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Debbie Lang

Top 100 National Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers' Association

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

Super Lawyer (2020-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2012, 2014-2017)

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Dave Risk

Super Lawyer (2014-present)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2002, 2004, 2006, 2008-2011)

J.D. William Mitchell College of Law magna cum laude graduate

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Christina Zauhar

Up & Coming Attorney (Minnesota Lawyer 2017)

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Member of Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice (2021-present)

Member of Minnesota Women Lawyers (2012-present)

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Marsh Halberg

Top Six Criminal Defense Attorneys (Mpls/St. Paul Magazine)

Attorney of the Year (Minnesota Lawyer 2011 & 2017)

Super Lawyer (1997-Present)

Co-Editor of the Minnesota DWI Deskbook

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Lucas Dawson

Super Lawyer Rising Star (2017-present)

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force - Remedies Subcommittee Chair 2022

Human Services Background Study Eligibility Task Force Member 2021 - 2022

Requested speaker at Minnesota CLEs

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Zach Graham

J.D. St. Thomas School of Law, cum laude

Licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin

Achieved successful outcomes for clients in district court and on appeal

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Julia Forbes

Former County Attorney

Former Special Assistant County Attorney

Graduated law school Magna Cum Laude (top 10%)

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Stephanie Ogier

JD from Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Graduated law school Magna Cum Laude

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Home – Practice Areas – Q and A - Age of consent in Minnesota

16 year old is having sex with a 20 year old. Is it legal?

My friend is having sex with a 20 year old guy. I want to know if this is legal?

Answer

Yes, a 16-year-old can have sex with a person 18 or older in Minnesota, as 16 is the age of consent. A few important caveats, however, is that it is still criminal for an adult to have sex with a 16-year-old when that adult has a “significant relationship” with or is in a “position of authority” over the 16-year-old. A significant relationship is defined as a relationship by blood, marriage, adoption, or residence. A position of authority means that the older party has some sort of authority over the minor, such as a teacher, coach, employer, stepparent, etc.

Please contact our attorneys at 612-DEFENSE (612-333-3673).