Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Defense Lawyer in Roanoke County, Virginia
A charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Roanoke 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 a strong defense for these charges, focusing on the critical details of consent, age verification, and evidence.
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 is a strict liability statute concerning the child’s age in many circumstances, meaning a reasonable mistake about the child’s age is often not a defense. A conviction is a Class 4 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke 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 for Roanoke County are handled at the Roanoke County General District Court for preliminary hearings, with felony trials in Circuit Court.
Defense Strategy for Roanoke County Cases
In Roanoke County, the Commonwealth’s Attorney aggressively prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that Virginia sex crime cases frequently involve forensic evidence, including digital forensics for internet-related communications that may be part of the investigation. Defense strategy must immediately challenge the sufficiency of evidence regarding the act, the defendant’s age, and the child’s age. We examine whether the alleged contact meets the legal definition, scrutinize the methods used to determine ages, and challenge any statements or digital evidence. The goal is often to negotiate a reduction to a non-registry offense or secure an outcome that avoids a felony conviction.
- Immediate Case Review: Do not speak to investigators. Contact our firm to secure legal representation immediately to protect your rights.
- Evidence Preservation: We will work to secure and analyze all evidence, including electronic communications, witness statements, and forensic reports.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case will begin with a hearing in Roanoke County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to proceed.
- Circuit Court Proceedings: If the case proceeds, it will be indicted by a grand jury and move to Roanoke County Circuit Court for trial or further negotiation.
- Trial or Disposition: We will prepare a full defense for trial while simultaneously pursuing all avenues for a favorable pre-trial resolution.
Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
In Roanoke County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of 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 directly | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901; GPS monitoring possible; severe impact on employment, housing, and family rights. |
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. Our attorneys have a combined 120+ years of legal experience and a track record of over 4,739 case results firm-wide. In Roanoke County, we have 34 total documented case results across all practice areas. We understand the high stakes of a carnal knowledge charge and build defenses that address every element the prosecution must prove.
Case Results
Our firm’s approach has secured favorable outcomes in sensitive cases. For example, we have achieved dismissals (nolle prosequi) in child pornography distribution cases and negotiated suspended sentences with probation in other complex sex crime matters. Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Shenandoah/Woodstock Location — 505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (540) 535-2025
By appointment only.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at Roanoke County courts. We are a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer near Salem, Vinton, and Cave Spring. We serve the communities of Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba. 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Roanoke County, Virginia?
It depends on the specific charge. Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a Class 4 felony with 2-10 years in prison. Other penalties include lifetime sex offender registration, substantial fines, and probation. Cases are heard at Roanoke County General District Court and Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender for a carnal knowledge conviction in Roanoke County?
Yes. A felony conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 requires mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This makes securing a charge reduction a primary defense goal for any statutory rape defense lawyer in Roanoke County.
How long does a carnal knowledge case take in Roanoke County?
Sex crime cases in Roanoke County typically take 3-12 months from arrest to trial. The preliminary hearing at General District Court occurs within 21-60 days. If the case proceeds, a Circuit Court trial may be scheduled 3-12 months later. Processing forensic evidence can extend timelines.
What is the difference between carnal knowledge and rape in Virginia?
Carnal knowledge under § 18.2-63 involves intercourse with a 13 or 14-year-old without force, where the perpetrator is at least 18. Rape under § 18.2-61 involves sexual intercourse by force, threat, or intimidation, or with a victim under 13, regardless of force. The penalties and defenses differ significantly.
Can a minor be charged with carnal knowledge of another minor?
Generally, no. Va. Code § 18.2-63 specifically applies to a perpetrator who is 18 years of age or older. Sexual contact between two minors may be addressed under different statutes, such as contributing to the delinquency of a minor, but not under the carnal knowledge law.
Why do I need a specialized underage sex charge lawyer in Roanoke County?
These cases involve complex legal definitions, severe mandatory penalties like lifetime registration, and aggressive prosecution. A specialized underage sex charge lawyer in Roanoke County understands local court procedures, how to challenge forensic evidence, and strategies to protect your future beyond just the immediate charge.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these charges, you need a focused defense. For more on our firm’s statewide practice, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub. For defense against other related charges in the area, consider our pages for Shenandoah County sex crime defense or Roanoke County criminal defense.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.