Carnal Knowledge Of A Child 13 Or 14 Defense 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 immediate legal help for these serious allegations.
Virginia Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
In Virginia, the crime of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is defined under Va. 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. The offense is distinct from rape or forcible sodomy, as it does not require proof of force, threat, or intimidation, but hinges on the age 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.
Local Court Process for Carnal Knowledge Charges in New Kent
Felony charges for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in New Kent County originate with an arrest or indictment. The case first goes to the New Kent County General District Court for a preliminary hearing, where a judge determines if there is probable cause to certify the charge to Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for New Kent County prosecutes these cases vigorously, often seeking the maximum penalties. Given the mandatory lifetime sex offender registration upon conviction, early and strategic defense intervention is critical to challenge evidence and explore all avenues for charge reduction.
- Arrest & Initial Appearance: You will be taken before a magistrate for a bond hearing. For this charge, securing bond can be difficult.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case is heard in New Kent County General District Court to establish probable cause for trial.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If certified, you will be formally charged and enter a plea in New Kent County Circuit Court.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence and reviews all prosecution materials.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: The defense works to negotiate a reduction or proceeds to a jury trial to contest the charges.
- Sentencing & Registry: A conviction results in prison time and mandatory lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
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 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 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 under Va. Code § 9.1-901; possible GPS monitoring. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our team includes attorneys like Matthew Greene, who brings over 30 years of experience, including a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing deep insight into cases involving minors. We have a documented record of 11 case results across all practice areas in New Kent County with a 100% favorable outcome rate. We provide aggressive, informed defense for charges of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14.
Case Results & Legal Help
When you need legal help for a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge, experience matters. Our approach has yielded documented results. In New Kent County, we have 11 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Each case is unique, and we build a defense strategy focused on the specific facts and evidence of your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our New Kent County Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
Our Richmond location serves clients facing carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charges at the New Kent County courts (12001 Courthouse Circle). We provide legal help to residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
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 | Local: (888) 437-7747
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24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge Of A Child 13 Or 14 in New Kent, VA
What is the penalty for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in New Kent County, Virginia?
It is a Class 4 felony. The penalty is 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. Cases are prosecuted in New Kent County Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of this charge in New Kent County?
Yes. A conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 requires lifetime registration on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry. This makes securing a charge reduction a primary defense goal to avoid this consequence.
How long does a carnal knowledge case take in New Kent County?
Typically 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. The process includes a preliminary hearing in New Kent County General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by proceedings in Circuit Court. Complex evidence can extend the timeline.
What should I do if charged with this crime in New Kent County?
Contact an attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators without legal counsel. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 legal consultation at (888) 437-7747. Early intervention is crucial for case strategy.
Is consent a defense to carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14?
No. Under Virginia law (Va. Code § 18.2-63), the consent of the child is not a valid defense to the charge. The statute is designed to protect children in this age group regardless of consent.
What is the difference between this charge and statutory rape?
In Virginia, “carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14” is the specific statutory rape charge for this age group. It applies when the accused is 18 or older and the child is 13 or 14, and does not require proof of force.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub page. We also assist with related matters like Criminal Defense in New Kent County and DUI Defense in New Kent County. For similar charges in nearby areas, consult a sex crime defense lawyer in Henrico County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.