Criminal Consequences: Fathering the child of a minor?

Question: 

Will someone go to prison for fathering the child of a minor?

My friend just told me he was dating a 16 year old and got her pregnant. He provided information for child support. He’s 20 years old and we want to know if the state of Arizona will send him to prison for trying to take care of his child.

Answer:

Your friend will not go to prison for trying to be responsible for his child.

He could however be prosecuted for having sex with a minor.

The thing that he did that was wrong was not the act of accepting responsibility after the fact.

He should consult with a criminal attorney to discuss the criminal side of this.

Good luck!

Patrick Sampair
The Sampair Group, PLLC

Offices Valley-Wide:
Arrowhead: 17235 N. 75th Avenue, Suite E-100, Glendale, AZ
City North: 5450 E High St #300, Phoenix, AZ
East Valley: 1830 S. Alma School #114, Mesa, AZ

West Valley: 623.218.1000
Phoenix: 602.997.7717
East Valley: 480.636.1333

To read more of Phoenix child custody law attorney Patrick Sampair’s answers on Avvo and be sure to check out his child custody page, or if you have a question for Mr. Sampair ask him directly at: https://www.sampair.com/.