As a college student, you know that consent is important for sexual encounters. This is true even if you’re dating someone, but especially true if you’re not. You must know that that person is fine with your relationship moving to this level.
As such, you always ask for consent at the beginning. Even if you’ve been drinking and you just met at a party, you make sure to ask them in advance. You don’t want any misunderstandings.
But could you lose that consent partway through the encounter? Is it possible for them to take it back after you’ve already gotten it, and could this have an impact on whether or not you face criminal charges?
Consent can always be withdrawn
In short, yes, someone can always withdraw consent. It doesn’t matter that they gave it to you before. If they withdraw it and you continue, then you could face legal charges. You can’t claim that getting consent in the first place meant you were allowed to do anything you want. Someone can change their mind, and you must respect that.
You can imagine how this can lead to some confusion, however. This is especially true if drugs and alcohol are involved. What if they no longer want to participate but you don’t realize it? What if you think they’re joking? What if you don’t have any memory of them withdrawing their consent, but they claim that they did?
You may find yourself facing some very serious charges in a case like this, and they could have a drastic impact on the rest of your life. If this happens, always be sure you understand your legal rights.