Recent Feedback
I know it is a U.S. crime for a U. S. citizen to travel abroad and pay for sex with someone under 18 years of age.....(underage Prostitution plain and simple)I have read and heard that if a U. S. citizen is living in Colombia, consentual, non-commercial sex (not prostitution) with a 16 or 17 year old is not illegal under U. S. statutes.... I that correct??
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): Florida
Hello JACUSTOMER,No, that is not correct. There is a provision of U.S. law that does make it illegal. That provision is 18 U.S. Code § 2423(c) which provides as follows:(c) Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in Foreign Places.— Any United States citizen or alien admitted for permanent residence who travels in foreign commerce, and engages in any illicit sexual conduct with another person shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.And "illicit sexual conduct" is defined in as sex with a person under the age of 18.So this section applies to any U.S. citizen who has sex with someone under the age of 18 in a foreign country. It does not matter where the citizen is actually living. As long as you maintain your U.S. citizenship, you could conceivably be arrested in the U.S. if you return to the U.S. if you violate this law.ThomasThomas
Experience: Twenty one years experience as a lawyer in New York and New Jersey. Former Appellate Law Clerk.