Lexington Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer — What Are Your Defense Options?
A charge of carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Lexington is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-63, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for these serious charges. Our team, led by former prosecutor Mr.
Last verified: April 2026 | Lexington General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
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 element is that the accused must be at least 18 years old. The law does not require proof of force or lack of consent; the age of the child alone establishes the offense. This makes consulting with a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Lexington essential to challenge the evidence and protect your rights.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for this felony begin at the Lexington General District Court for a preliminary hearing before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Lexington Court Process for Sex Crime Charges
Felony sex crime cases in Lexington follow a specific path. The case starts with an arrest and bond hearing. A preliminary hearing is held in Lexington General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to the grand jury. The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Lexington prosecutes these cases aggressively, often relying on forensic interviews and digital evidence. A statutory rape defense lawyer Lexington can handle this process, focusing early strategy on evidence suppression and charge reduction to avoid the lifetime consequences of a conviction.
- Arrest and initial appearance at Lexington General District Court for a bond hearing.
- Preliminary hearing in General District Court within 21-60 days to establish probable cause.
- Case is certified to the grand jury, which meets to consider an indictment.
- If indicted, arraignment and trial preparation in Rockbridge County Circuit Court.
- Pre-trial motions, which may include challenges to evidence or witness statements.
- Trial or negotiated plea resolution, with a focus on avoiding mandatory registry requirements.
Penalties for Carnal Knowledge in Virginia
In Lexington, carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 is a Class 4 felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison 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 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.
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 firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand the high stakes of a carnal knowledge charge and build defenses that scrutinize every detail, from the validity of the alleged victim’s age to the methods of investigation.
Case Results
Our approach has secured favorable outcomes in challenging cases. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we defended against three felony charges of computer solicitation of a minor. The result was an amended disposition to two counts with a total sentence of 5 years. In another case in Fairfax County Circuit Court for possession of child pornography, we secured a result of 1 year of jail, all suspended, with 5 years of supervised probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Near Lexington
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Lexington courts at 2 South Main Street. We are accessible via I-81 and I-64. We provide legal representation throughout Lexington and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 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 Charges in Lexington
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 sex offender registration.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted?
Yes. A conviction under Va. Code § 18.2-63 triggers a mandatory lifetime registration requirement under Virginia’s sex offender registry laws (§ 9.1-901). An underage sex charge lawyer Lexington can work to have the charge reduced to avoid this consequence.
What are common defenses to this charge?
Defenses may include challenging the proof of the child’s age, demonstrating a reasonable belief the child was 15 or older, questioning the credibility of testimony, or filing motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence. Each case is unique, and a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer Lexington will identify the best strategy.
How long does a carnal knowledge case take?
These felony cases typically take 3 to 12 months from arrest to resolution. The timeline includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court, grand jury indictment, and then trial or plea negotiations in Circuit Court. Forensic evidence can extend the process.
Can the charge be reduced to a misdemeanor?
It depends. While the statute defines the offense as a felony, a skilled statutory rape defense lawyer Lexington may negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to amend the charge to a misdemeanor like sexual battery, which does not carry the lifetime registry requirement. This is a primary goal of defense strategy.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub page. We also assist with related charges like criminal defense in Lexington and DUI defense.
Last verified: April 2026. Information is subject to change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for the most current legal guidance regarding carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charges.