Burlington County Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer — What Are Your Defenses?
A charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Burlington County is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, punishable by 5-10 years in prison and Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious allegations. If you are facing these charges, immediate legal counsel is critical.
Statutory Definition of Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the offense commonly referred to as “carnal knowledge” is formally defined as sexual assault under the state’s criminal code. Specifically, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(c)(4) criminalizes an act of sexual penetration with a victim who is at least 13 but less than 16 years old, and the actor is at least four years older than the victim. This is a strict liability offense in many circumstances, meaning the state does not need to prove the accused knew the victim’s age or that the victim consented. The law’s purpose is to protect minors deemed incapable of legally consenting to sexual activity.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the precise language of the law and the procedures of the local court is essential. Below are links to official government resources:
- N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (official New Jersey statutes)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage (official court website)
Local Court Process and Defense Strategy in Burlington County
Cases for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Burlington County are prosecuted in the Superior Court, Criminal Division, in Mount Holly. These are high-stakes proceedings handled by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. A conviction carries mandatory prison time and lifelong sex offender registration under Megan’s Law.
- Initial Arrest & Complaint: The process begins with an arrest or the filing of a complaint. You will be processed and have a first appearance in Superior Court.
- Pre-Indictment Phase: Your attorney can engage with the prosecutor to present mitigating facts or challenge the sufficiency of evidence, potentially seeking a dismissal or reduction before the case goes to a grand jury.
- Grand Jury Indictment: For a second-degree crime, the state must present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment, formally charging you.
- Pre-Trial Conferences & Motions: Your lawyer will file pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, challenge the victim’s statements, or dispute the legality of the investigation.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Based on the strength of the defense, your attorney will negotiate for a favorable plea or prepare for a jury trial in Mount Holly.
- Sentencing & Registration: If convicted, sentencing follows state guidelines. A conviction mandates registration on the New Jersey Sex Offender Registry.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 in NJ
In Burlington County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14, a second-degree crime, carries a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years, significant fines, and lifelong consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2(c)(4)) | Second-Degree Crime | 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison | Up to $150,000 | None directly, but may affect professional licenses | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration (possibly Tier 2 or 3), Parole Supervision for Life (PSL), no contact orders, loss of firearm rights. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in criminal cases. We understand that an accusation of this nature is devastating, and we provide a diligent, strategic defense focused on protecting your rights and future. Our approach is direct: we analyze the evidence, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and advocate forcefully on your behalf.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide commitment to vigorous defense has resulted in numerous favorable resolutions for clients facing serious charges. We meticulously prepare each case, challenging the evidence and advocating for our clients’ rights at every stage. Our goal is to achieve a favorable outcome, whether through pre-trial dismissal, reduction of charges, or a favorable verdict at trial.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact a Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Burlington County
If you are under investigation or have been charged, do not wait. Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, and Evesham. We offer 24/7 phone consultations for immediate guidance.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations. Meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between carnal knowledge and statutory rape in NJ?
In New Jersey, “carnal knowledge” is not a separate statutory term. The charge is sexual assault under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2. It is what is commonly called statutory rape, meaning the minor’s consent is not a legal defense due to their age.
Can these charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. A skilled statutory rape defense lawyer Burlington County can challenge the evidence, the victim’s age verification, or the circumstances of the encounter. Pre-indictment negotiations or successful pre-trial motions can sometimes lead to dismissal or reduction to a lesser offense.
What if the minor lied about their age?
New Jersey law generally does not recognize a mistake-of-age defense for this specific offense. The state typically does not need to prove you knew the victim’s actual age. This underscores the need for an attorney who can explore all other possible defenses.
Is parole supervision for life mandatory?
Yes. A conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 for sexual assault of a minor typically mandates Parole Supervision for Life (PSL), which imposes strict, lifelong conditions after release from prison.
Why do I need a local Burlington County lawyer?
An underage sex charge lawyer Burlington County knows the local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures in the Burlington Vicinage. This local insight is important for developing an effective defense strategy and negotiating potential outcomes.
Internal Resources
For more information, explore our New Jersey Sex Crimes Lawyer hub page. If you are in a neighboring county, consider our pages for Camden County Sex Crimes Lawyer or Atlantic County Sex Crimes Lawyer. For other legal needs in Burlington County, see our Burlington County Criminal Defense Lawyer page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current, case-specific guidance.
Your case in Burlington County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Burlington County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Bergen County NJ Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer · Hudson County NJ Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer · Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Monmouth County.