New York legal term
Minor in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Minor” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Minor” mean in New York criminal law?
"Minor" means any person less than seventeen years old. 2. (N.Y. Penal Law § 235.20)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Aggravated patronizing a minor for prostitution in the first degree
- Aggravated patronizing a minor for prostitution in the second degree
- Aggravated patronizing a minor for prostitution in the third degree
- Criminal interference with health care services or religious worship in the second degree
- Criminal sale of a firearm to a minor
- Disseminating indecent material to minors in the first degree
- Disseminating indecent material to minors in the second degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.