Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer in Goochland County, Virginia
A charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Goochland County is a serious 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 defense for these underage sex 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 a felony for any person 18 years or older to carnally know, without the use of force, a child who is 13 or 14 years old. The law specifies that the act must be consensual in the sense that force, threat, or intimidation is not used; however, due to the age of the child, consent is not a legal defense. This charge is distinct from rape or aggravated sexual battery, as it involves an age-based prohibition rather than a lack of consent due to force.
Last verified: April 2026 | Goochland County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court procedures and filings are handled by the Goochland County General District Court.
Defense Strategy for Goochland County Cases
Defending against a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge in Goochland County requires immediate and precise action. The Goochland County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively, and a conviction triggers mandatory lifetime registration under Virginia’s Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act (§ 9.1-900 et seq.). A key local procedural fact is that all felony sex crime trials are held in Goochland County Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first occurring in General District Court. Given the severe, lifelong consequences, defense strategy must focus on challenging the evidence of the act, the defendant’s age, and the alleged victim’s age. Negotiations often aim to reduce the charge to an offense that does not carry the registry requirement.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or learning of an investigation.
- Preserve all potential evidence, including phones, computers, and messages.
- Attend the preliminary hearing in Goochland County General District Court.
- If indicted, prepare for trial in Goochland County Circuit Court, focusing on forensic and alibi evidence.
- Explore all options for plea negotiations to avoid mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
In Goochland County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 is a Class 4 felony with a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine up to $100,000.
| 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 | None | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on residence and employment. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with 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 have a documented record of 4 case results in Goochland County across all practice areas. We understand the high stakes of a carnal knowledge charge and build defenses focused on the specific details of each case and the procedures of Goochland County courts.
Case Results in Sex Crime Defense
Our attorneys have achieved favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. In one matter, a charge of Possession of Child Pornography in Baltimore County, Maryland, resulted in a disposition of 5 years of incarceration, all suspended, with 5 years of supervised probation. In another case in Baltimore County, a charge of Promoting/Distributing Child Pornography was dismissed via a nolle prosequi. In Washington, D.C., a misdemeanor sex abuse charge was dismissed. These results demonstrate our approach to building strong defenses in challenging cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Goochland County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Near You
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Goochland County courts. We represent individuals in Goochland, Crozier, and Oilville. Consultations are available 24/7 by phone.
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) 423-1382
Meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge Charges in Goochland County
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Goochland County, Virginia?
Penalties vary by charge. Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a Class 4 felony with 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. Most felony sex crime convictions also require lifetime registration as a sex offender.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Goochland County, Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 mandates lifetime registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This requires reporting your address, employment, and vehicles to law enforcement. Avoiding a conviction that triggers the registry is often a primary defense goal.
How long does a sex crime case take in Goochland County, Virginia?
These cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. The process starts with a preliminary hearing in Goochland County General District Court within 21-60 days. If the case proceeds, a trial in Goochland County Circuit Court can take several more months, especially if forensic evidence is involved.
What is the difference between carnal knowledge and statutory rape in Virginia?
In Virginia, “carnal knowledge” is the statutory term used in the code. “Statutory rape” is a colloquial term for such offenses. The specific charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 applies when the victim is 13 or 14 and the accused is 18 or older, and no force is alleged.
Can the alleged victim’s consent be a defense to carnal knowledge?
No. For the charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14, the law states that consent of the child is not a defense. The statute is designed to protect children in that age group regardless of their willingness.
What should I do if I am investigated for an underage sex charge in Goochland?
Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney. Contact a lawyer immediately. An experienced statutory rape defense lawyer Goochland County can guide you through the investigation and protect your rights from the very beginning, which is critical for building a strong defense.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing other charges, our firm also handles criminal defense in Goochland County and DUI defense. For more information on sex crime defense across Virginia, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Henrico County and Chesterfield County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge.