I was going to make some other comments, but, being an "old fart" choose to sympathize.
This quandry has and goes on all over the world for ages.
I'll offer these ideas and questions:
1) what industry do you speak of?
2) do you know any family members or close friends of this girl?
3) are you aware of how gringos are percieved in the Dominican Republic? i.e. the family and the girl perceive you as their gold mine for at least a short time?
4) 17 year old girls (especially, Dominicanas) are so fertile that a kiss makes a baby. It's the same as '60's high school stuff. Don't check into a hotel. That's illegal in the DR with a minor. If you trust the girl, the friends or family she shows up with by all means go. The love making will happen at or near the family home. Don't worry about that. Prepare yourself " before-"hand". Request to shower or bath alone so you will be capable enough to remember to put on a "raincoat". Ah, to be 24 again!!
As for jail time in the DR. I know of an Italian guy that lived in Boca Chica. Yeah, in his sixties, his first name I know, I'll only say it began with a V. 30 days in the local jail for having sex with a minor. Nothing I condone but Boca Chica and other areas of the DR have long been a playground for demented pervers.
The DR legal system is French based. Hence, in many ways more liberal. In many ways it makes for a more free flowing life than the Puritian based principles of the US. Like everywhere else some good---some bad.
The good thing about the DR is sex is free flowing. Sex can be to make a livelihood, make a family or just downright great.
Hope your future includes the later two!!!