Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Defense Lawyer in New Kent County, Virginia
A charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in New Kent County is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-63, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious charges.
Virginia Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
The crime of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-63. This statute makes it unlawful for any person 18 years of age or older to carnally know, without the use of force, a child who is 13 or 14 years old. The law specifies that the child’s consent is not a defense to this charge. This is a strict liability offense in many respects, meaning the Commonwealth must only prove the act occurred and the ages of the parties involved.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures for these felony cases begin at the New Kent County General District Court website.
Defense Strategy for New Kent County Cases
Defending against a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge in New Kent County requires immediate, specialized action. The Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively, and the consequences of a conviction are severe and lifelong. A key local procedural fact is that all felony sex crime trials are held in New Kent County Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first in General District Court. Given the mandatory lifetime sex offender registry requirement under § 9.1-901, the primary defense strategy often focuses on challenging the evidence to secure a charge reduction or dismissal, thereby avoiding a registry-triggering conviction.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a lawyer experienced in Virginia sex crime defense.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: Your lawyer will review all evidence, including witness statements, digital records, and forensic reports, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney may challenge the probable cause for the felony charge at a hearing in New Kent County General District Court within 21-60 days of arrest.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Defense counsel will file motions to suppress evidence and engage in negotiations with the prosecutor, aiming for a reduction or alternative disposition.
- Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds, your lawyer will prepare a full defense for trial in New Kent County Circuit Court, including experienced witnesses if necessary.
- Post-Trial & Registry Issues: If convicted, your attorney will advocate for the minimum sentence and explore all options to mitigate the long-term impact, including appeals.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
In New Kent County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 (Va. Code § 18.2-63) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the high stakes of a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge and the specific procedures of New Kent County courts. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your future.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our commitment to client defense is demonstrated through our results. In New Kent County, we have 11 total documented case results across all practice areas. While every case is unique, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. For instance, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated favorable dispositions in other complex sex crime matters. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder, provides strategic oversight on complex cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Kent County Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the New Kent County courts, including those for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14. We are accessible via I-64, Route 33, and Route 249.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804) 201-9009
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only. We serve the communities of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Charges in New Kent County
What is the penalty for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Virginia?
It is a Class 4 felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Virginia law.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14?
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-63 requires lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry, which involves reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement.
Is consent a defense to a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge?
No. Virginia law states that the consent of the child is not a defense to this charge. The statute is designed to protect minors in this age group regardless of their stated consent.
What should I do if I am under investigation for this charge?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a statutory rape defense lawyer New Kent County. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney, as anything you say can be used against you.
How can an underage sex charge lawyer New Kent County help my case?
A skilled lawyer can investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, file pre-trial motions, negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced charge, and provide a strong defense at trial to protect your rights and future.
If you need a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer in New Kent County, contact us immediately. For related legal help, see our pages on criminal defense in New Kent County or Virginia sex crime defense. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
New Kent County is one part of a statewide practice, and our page on carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Virginia covers the process from start to finish.