The legal age of consent in Michigan is 16 years old. This means that individuals who are 16 or older can legally agree to engage in sexual activity. Those under 16 are not legally capable of giving consent. There is an important legal detail regarding age differences: if a person engages in sexual activity with someone who is between 13 and 16 years old, and the older person is 5 or more years older, it can lead to criminal charges. Additionally, Michigan law raises the age of consent to 18 in situations where the older person holds an authority position over the younger person, such as teachers or school employees. Consent must be freely and clearly given without coercion, force, or taking advantage of someone who is mentally incapable or incapacitated. In summary:
- General age of consent: 16 years old
- Close-in-age exception: no sexual activity if 5 or more years age difference and partner under 16
- Age of consent is 18 if the older person is an authority figure (teacher, foster care provider, etc.)
This framework helps protect minors from exploitation while recognizing their capacity to consent at age 16 and older under normal circumstances. Violations of these laws can lead to criminal charges, including felony charges depending on the circumstances. Consent obtained by coercion or involving incapacitated persons is illegal at any age. If you need specific legal advice or are involved in a case related to this, consulting a qualified Michigan sex crimes lawyer is recommended. This information is current as of 2025.
