Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer in Chesapeake, Virginia — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a serious felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-63, carrying a potential penalty of 2 to 10 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Chesapeake, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Chesapeake Circuit Court. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
The crime of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-63. It involves sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 13 years old but less than 15 years old. A critical aspect of this statute is that it is a strict liability offense concerning the age of the child in many circumstances; a reasonable mistake about the child’s age is often not a valid defense. The charge is a Class 4 felony.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court procedures for Chesapeake are handled by the Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Defense Strategy and Chesapeake Court Process
Defending against a charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 requires immediate and strategic action. In Chesapeake, these felony cases begin with a preliminary hearing in the Chesapeake General District Court to determine probable cause before moving to the Circuit Court for trial. The prosecution must prove sexual intercourse occurred and the child was 13 or 14 years old. Defense strategies may involve challenging the evidence of intercourse, the alleged child’s credibility, or investigating whether constitutional rights were violated during the investigation.
- Secure Legal Representation Immediately: Contact a lawyer before speaking to investigators. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Case Assessment: Your attorney will review all evidence, police reports, and witness statements to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your lawyer will represent you at the General District Court hearing, challenging probable cause to potentially get the charge dismissed or reduced.
- Negotiation & Trial Preparation: If the case proceeds to Circuit Court, your attorney will engage in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney and prepare a vigorous trial defense.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, 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, plus mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.
| 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 in prison | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901; possible GPS monitoring; loss of professional licenses; restrictions on where you can live and work. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the severe, life-altering consequences of a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14. Our approach is direct and focused on the specific facts of your case. We have a documented record of defending clients against serious sex crime allegations.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
Our firm has a documented record of defending clients against serious sex crime charges. In one case, our attorneys defended a client facing three felony counts of computer solicitation of a minor. The defense secured a reinstated bond and successfully negotiated an amended charge, resulting in a reduced sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
In another matter, a client charged with possession of child pornography in Fairfax County received a sentence of one year of jail, all suspended, with supervised probation. These outcomes depended on the specific facts of each case.
Contact Our Chesapeake Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges in Chesapeake courts. We are accessible via I-64, I-464, and Route 168. We provide legal support for individuals in Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Charges in Chesapeake
What is the penalty for a sex crime in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Penalties vary by specific crime. Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a Class 4 felony with 2-10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Other sex crimes carry different ranges, from misdemeanors to life imprisonment.
Do I have to register as a sex offender in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes. A conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 under Va. Code § 18.2-63 requires lifetime registration as a sex offender under Va. Code § 9.1-901. This is a critical reason to mount an aggressive defense with a skilled underage sex charge lawyer Chesapeake.
How long does a sex crime case take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. A felony case like carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 typically takes 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. The process includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, followed by Circuit Court proceedings. Complex evidence can extend timelines.
What is the difference between carnal knowledge and statutory rape in Virginia?
In Virginia, “carnal knowledge” is the statutory term used for what is commonly called statutory rape. The specific charge depends on the age of the child. Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-63, while intercourse with a child under 13 falls under a more severe statute.
Can I get bail if charged with carnal knowledge of a child in Chesapeake?
It depends. Bond is frequently denied for serious sex offenses involving minors. If granted, it is often a high secured bond ($25,000+). An experienced statutory rape defense lawyer Chesapeake can argue for bond conditions at a hearing in Chesapeake General District Court.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing these charges, you need a dedicated carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Chesapeake. For more information on criminal defense in Virginia, visit our Virginia Criminal Defense hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Henrico County and Chesterfield County. For other legal needs in Chesapeake, see our pages on DUI defense and family law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Chesapeake representation.