Ley 19,337 sets out penalties depending on the age difference. A person having a sexual relationship with an adolescent between 15 years of age and prior to their 18th birthday is exposed to a prison term of two to three years, if the adult is seven or more years older. The age of majority in Costa Rica is 18.
In the case where sexual liaisons involve a minor between the age of 13 and prior to their 15th birthday, the punishment is three to six years in prison, when the age difference is five or more years.
The law also prohibits the registration of marriages of people under 18; between and adult and minor and including an adoptee or his or her adoptive family.