Camden County Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a second-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, punishable by 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison and mandatory Megan’s Law registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense for these serious underage sex charges in Camden County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
New Jersey Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
The offense of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is defined under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2, which covers sexual assault. Specifically, it involves an actor who is at least four years older than a victim who is 13 or 14 years old and engages in sexual penetration. Unlike some statutory rape laws, this charge does not require the state to prove force or lack of consent; the age difference itself establishes the crime. This makes consulting with a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer in Camden County critical at the earliest stage.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (New Jersey Legislature). Court procedures and local rules for Camden County are available at the Camden Vicinage website.
Defending Carnal Knowledge Charges in Camden County
Defense strategies are case-specific but often focus on challenging the evidence of sexual contact, the defendant’s age, or the victim’s age. In Camden County, the prosecution in the Family Division of Superior Court pursues these charges aggressively. An experienced underage sex charge lawyer Camden County will scrutinize police reports, witness statements, and digital evidence for inconsistencies or constitutional violations.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any questioning.
- Your attorney will file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence.
- We engage in pre-indictment negotiations with the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
- If necessary, we prepare a strong trial defense focusing on reasonable doubt.
- We address any concurrent DCP&P or family court proceedings.
- We advise on post-trial matters, including sentencing and Megan’s Law requirements.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge in New Jersey
In Camden County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 carries severe, life-altering penalties under New Jersey’s strict sentencing guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 (N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2) | Second-Degree Crime | 5 to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison | Up to $150,000 | None directly, but incarceration affects all aspects of life | Mandatory Megan’s Law registration (likely Tier 2 or 3), Parole Supervision for Life (PSL), No Early Release Act (NERA) applies to 85% of sentence. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand the high stakes of a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge and provide a focused, strategic defense.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific results for this charge in Camden County are not disclosed here, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in serious felony cases through dismissal, reduction of charges, and favorable plea agreements. Every case is unique, and we fight to protect our clients’ futures, rights, and freedom.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Camden County Carnal Knowledge Defense Lawyer Near You
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing charges at the Camden County Courthouse. We represent individuals in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Voorhees, and throughout the county. A strong defense starts with immediate action.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 of a child 13 or 14” is the specific statutory term under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 for what is commonly called statutory rape involving a victim of those ages with an actor at least four years older. It is a second-degree crime.
Is a mistake of age a defense to carnal knowledge charges?
It depends. New Jersey law generally does not recognize a reasonable mistake regarding the victim’s age as a defense to carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14. This is why consulting a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Camden County immediately is important to explore other potential defenses.
Can carnal knowledge charges be expunged in New Jersey?
No. Convictions for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14, which requires Megan’s Law registration, are generally not eligible for expungement in New Jersey. This underscores the critical importance of an aggressive defense from the outset.
What should I do if I am under investigation for this charge?
Do not speak to law enforcement or investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a statutory rape defense lawyer Camden County. Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. We can intervene during the investigation phase.
Will I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 carries a mandatory requirement to register under Megan’s Law. The tier (2 or 3) determines the duration and public notification level.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing related charges, our firm also handles DUI cases in Camden County and federal criminal defense. For a broader overview of our sex crime defense practice, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub page. We also serve neighboring counties like Burlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Camden 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 Camden County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Camden Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 101 South Fifth Street, Camden, NJ 08103, telephone (856) 379-2200, 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 Camden 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: Camden 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.