What is the legal age difference allowed for statutory rape in Georgia?

In Georgia, the law recognizes a close-in-age exemption, often referred to as the "Romeo and Juliet" law. This provision allows for a legal age difference of no more than four years between the parties involved. This means that if one party is below the age of consent, which is 16 years old in Georgia, the other party must be no more than four years older to avoid statutory rape charges.

This provision is designed to prevent young individuals from being prosecuted for engaging in consensual sexual activities with peers who are only slightly older than themselves. It acknowledges the importance of recognizing the differences between consensual relationships among young people as opposed to cases involving significant age disparities where exploitation or coercion may be more likely to occur.

In contrast, other options suggesting fewer years difference or no age difference at all do not accurately reflect the statutory provisions established in Georgia law regarding consensual sexual relationships among minors.