I am currently twenty years old; soon to be 21 in April. I have known a girl, who is now 16, for about four years. I am a citizen of Washington, but live in Oregon for college and she used to live in Washington with me, but is now in Oregon as well. Can she and I have a nonsexual relationship while still abiding by Oregon laws?

The age of consent for sexual contact in the State of Oregon is 18. The laws are well defined stating that a person under the age of 18 is "legally" not capable of giving consent. As long as no sexual relations are taking place between the 21 year old and the 16 year old while in the State of Oregon, the law is not being violated; however, the 21 year old could potentially be taking some legal risks if contemplating a living arrangement with a minor, without having any legal authority as the minors guardian. If a 16 year old minor has not been emancipated by a court (legally making them an adult) the minor remains under the legal authority, control and is the legal responsibilty of the parent or guardian. If the minor is going to live with the 21 year old, it should be done with parental or guardian consent; otherwise, even if no sexual contact is occuring, the 21 year old could be taking some risk for legal action on a range of laws (excluding sexual offense laws) if violated while the minor is living in the home. For example, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, endangering the welfare of a minor, providing alcohol to a minor, etc...