Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Greene County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-63, carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. In Greene County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Greene County General District Court (85 Stanard Street, Stanardsville). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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 by statute. It involves sexual intercourse with a child who is at least 13 years old but less than 15 years old. A key element is that the accused must be at least 18 years old. Consent is not a defense, as a child of this age is legally incapable of providing it. The charge is a serious felony with long-term consequences beyond incarceration.
Last verified: April 2026 | Greene County General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly)
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 stakes of a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge and the specific procedures of Greene County courts.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-63 – Carnal knowledge of child between thirteen and fifteen years of age
- Greene County General District Court – Official Website
Defense Strategy for Carnal Knowledge Charges in Greene County
The key local procedural fact in Greene County is that all felony sex crime trials, including carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14, are handled by the Greene County Circuit Court. Preliminary hearings occur in the Greene County General District Court. Defense strategy must focus early on the specific facts of the case, as the Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. A critical goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers the lifetime sex offender registry under § 9.1-901.
- Immediate Consultation: Contact a lawyer immediately after arrest or learning of an investigation. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your case begins in Greene County General District Court. Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence and seek to have charges reduced or dismissed.
- Grand Jury & Circuit Court: If the case proceeds, it will be indicted by a grand jury and move to Greene County Circuit Court for trial.
- Investigation & Defense: Your lawyer will investigate all aspects, including witness credibility, digital evidence, and the circumstances of the alleged act.
- Resolution: Options include negotiating a plea to a lesser non-registry offense, filing pre-trial motions to suppress evidence, or proceeding to a jury trial.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
In Greene County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 carries severe mandatory penalties, including a prison sentence and 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 | None | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; 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 Our Firm for Your Greene County Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and has a documented record of handling complex sex crime cases. Our approach combines deep knowledge of Virginia sex crime statutes with an understanding of local Greene County court procedures. We know that a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge can upend your life, and we work to protect your rights and future from the outset.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm has a track record of advocating for clients facing serious charges. In Greene County, we have 4 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, our experience includes achieving charge reductions, favorable plea agreements, and defending clients at trial. For instance, in a separate sex crime case in Bedford County, our attorneys successfully negotiated an amendment to felony computer solicitation charges, resulting in a reduced sentence.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His background and the firm’s collective experience are resources we apply to every carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 defense.
Local Greene County Sex Crime Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Greene County courts in Stanardsville. We represent individuals in Stanardsville, Ruckersville, and throughout Greene County. If you are searching for a “carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Greene County” or a “statutory rape defense lawyer Greene County,” we offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are held by appointment at our office, which is accessible via major Northern Virginia highways.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Charges in Greene County
What is the penalty for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Virginia?
It is a Class 4 felony punishable by 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 heard in Greene County Circuit Court after a preliminary hearing in General District Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
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 is why a primary defense goal is often to secure a charge reduction to a non-registry offense.
What is the difference between this charge and rape?
It depends on the age of the child and the use of force. Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 applies specifically to intercourse with a child in that age range, where the accused is at least 18. Rape (§ 18.2-61) involves intercourse by force, threat, or intimidation, or with a child under 13, and carries penalties of 5 years to life.
Can consent be a defense?
No. Virginia law states that a child under 15 is legally incapable of consenting to sexual intercourse. Even if the child agreed, it is not a valid defense to a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge.
How long does a case like this take?
Sex crime cases in Greene County typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to trial. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days, possible grand jury indictment, and then trial in Circuit Court. Forensic evidence can extend the process.
What should I do if I am under investigation?
Immediately contact an underage sex charge lawyer Greene County. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. An attorney can intervene before charges are formally filed.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
- Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Fairfax County
- Criminal Defense Lawyer Greene County
Page 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 charges.