Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Loudoun 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 Loudoun County, these cases are prosecuted aggressively at the Circuit Court in Leesburg. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
The specific charge 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 have sexual intercourse with a child who is 13 or 14 years old, even if the child consents. Virginia law does not recognize consent as a defense in these cases. The charge is distinct from rape, as it does not require proof of force, threat, or intimidation. It is a strict liability offense concerning the age of the alleged victim. Conviction results in mandatory registration on the Virginia Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry under Va. Code § 9.1-901. The firm’s founder, a former prosecutor, brings critical insight into how these charges are built and challenged.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, refer to Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly). All felony proceedings for this charge in Loudoun County are held at the Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Loudoun County Court Process for Carnal Knowledge Charges
In Loudoun County, a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge begins with an arrest or indictment. The case will have a preliminary hearing in Loudoun County General District Court to determine probable cause. If bound over, the felony trial proceeds in Loudoun County Circuit Court. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office vigorously prosecutes these cases. Defense strategy must immediately address forensic evidence, witness credibility, and constitutional challenges to statements or searches. A key local procedural fact is that avoiding a conviction that triggers the lifetime sex offender registry is often the primary objective of the defense.
- Secure legal representation immediately after arrest or learning of an investigation.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing and seek pre-trial release conditions you can manage.
- Your defense team will investigate all evidence, including digital forensics and witness statements.
- Your lawyer will challenge the prosecution’s case through pre-trial motions to suppress evidence.
- Engage in strategic negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal.
- If necessary, prepare for and present a vigorous defense at trial in Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 in Virginia
In Loudoun County, a conviction for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
| 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; housing restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience Defending Sex Crime Charges in Loudoun County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by a former prosecutor. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and a documented record of firm-wide 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Loudoun County specifically, we have 13 documented sex crime case results. Our lead attorney for sex crimes, Matthew Greene, brings over 30 years of experience, including a former 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, providing unique insight into cases involving minors.
Mr. Sris, Founding Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY. Former prosecutor. Founded firm 1997. Personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. View Mr. Sris’s Profile
Case Results in Loudoun County
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in Loudoun County sex crime cases. We have 13 documented results in this locality, including 10 cases dismissed or found not guilty, 1 charge reduced or amended, and 2 other favorable outcomes. For example, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) in a Loudoun County Circuit Court case involving a possession of child pornography charge. In another case, we negotiated a resolution that avoided a conviction requiring sex offender registration.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Loudoun County Sex Crime Defense Lawyers
Our Ashburn location serves clients facing charges at the Loudoun County courts in Leesburg. We are your local carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 lawyer near Loudoun County. We serve Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, Brambleton, Aldie, Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, and Round Hill.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Suite 400, Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
By appointment only.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Charges in Loudoun County
What is the penalty for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Loudoun County, Virginia?
It is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-63, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Cases are heard at Loudoun County Circuit Court.
Do I have to register as a sex offender if convicted of carnal knowledge in Virginia?
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 per § 9.1-901. A primary defense goal is often to avoid a conviction that triggers this requirement.
Is consent a defense to a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge?
No. Virginia law states that a child aged 13 or 14 cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse with an adult aged 18 or older. The prosecution does not need to prove force or lack of consent, only that the act occurred and the ages meet the statutory criteria.
What should I do if I am under investigation for a sex crime in Loudoun County?
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent and contact a statutory rape defense lawyer Loudoun County. Do not speak to police or investigators without an attorney present. An experienced underage sex charge lawyer Loudoun County can intervene early to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
How long does a carnal knowledge case take in Loudoun County?
These felony cases typically take 6 to 18 months from arrest to resolution. The process includes a preliminary hearing in General District Court, possible grand jury indictment, and then trial or negotiation in Circuit Court. Complex evidence can extend the timeline.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides strong defense for related matters: Criminal Defense Lawyer Loudoun County, DUI/DWI Lawyer Loudoun County, and Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer.
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.