Many states have “Romeo and Juliet” laws that protect teens from sex crime charges and punishments if the case meets certain requirements. In Texas, this law offers two main protections for cases that involve non-consensual sexual relations: - The three-year age gap defense — Anyone who is accused of a sex crime in Texas may be exempt from persecution if there is a three-year age gap between both parties and the alleged victim was at least 14 years old. - The sex offender registration exemption — While someone who had consensual sex with a minor isn’t protected from being charged with statutory rape if there is more than a three-year age difference, the Romeo and Juliet Law may make this person exempt from having to register as a sex offender. But they have to meet certain requirements if he or she had consensual sex with someone under 17 years of age. The alleged victim must be at least 15 years old, and there can’t be more than a four-year age difference. Feel free to speak to a qualified attorney for more information about the Romeo and Juliet Law in the State of Texas.