Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Lawyer Poquoson — What Are the Defenses?
Carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Poquoson 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 defense for these serious charges in Poquoson General District Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Poquoson General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Law on Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14
The specific statute for this offense is Va. Code § 18.2-63. It prohibits any person 18 years of age or older from carnally knowing, without the use of force, a child 13 or 14 years old. The law defines “carnal knowledge” as sexual intercourse. This is a strict liability offense in many respects, meaning the Commonwealth does not need to prove the accused knew the child’s age. However, a valid defense exists if the accused reasonably believed the child was 15 years or older, provided the child was not more than three years younger than the accused. This is a narrow exception that requires careful legal argument.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-63 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court procedures, visit the Poquoson General District Court website.
Defense Strategy in Poquoson for Carnal Knowledge Charges
Defending against a carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 charge in Poquoson requires immediate action. The Poquoson Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases aggressively. A key procedural fact is that all felony sex crime trials are held in Poquoson Circuit Court, with preliminary hearings first in Poquoson General District Court. Given the mandatory lifetime sex offender registry requirement under Va. Code § 9.1-901, the primary defense goal is often to negotiate a reduction to a non-registry offense or to challenge the sufficiency of evidence proving the act occurred or the ages involved.
- Secure immediate legal representation before any questioning.
- Your attorney will file for a bond hearing in Poquoson General District Court.
- Your lawyer will review all discovery, including digital and forensic evidence.
- We will challenge the preliminary hearing evidence to seek dismissal.
- If the case proceeds, we will prepare for trial or negotiate for a reduced charge in Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 in Poquoson
In Poquoson, carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine up to $100,000, plus 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 | Up to $100,000 | N/A | Mandatory lifetime sex offender registration; possible GPS monitoring |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Poquoson 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 of a child 13 or 14 charge and the severe impact of sex offender registration.
Case Results in Sex Crimes Defense
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable results in complex sex crime cases. In one case, we secured a bond reinstatement for a client facing three felony computer solicitation charges. In another, we negotiated an amended sentence for similar charges. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, collaborates with our team on these serious matters.
Contact Our Poquoson Carnal Knowledge Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Poquoson courts (500 City Hall Avenue). We represent clients throughout Poquoson.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Carnal Knowledge of a Child 13 or 14 Charges in Poquoson
What is the penalty for carnal knowledge of a child 13 or 14 in Poquoson?
It is a Class 4 felony with 2 to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $100,000, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration under Va. Code § 9.1-901.
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 triggers a mandatory lifetime registration requirement, making charge reduction a critical defense goal.
What is a common defense to this charge?
It depends. A statutory defense exists if the accused reasonably believed the child was 15 or older and the child was not more than three years younger. Other defenses challenge the evidence of the act, identity, or the child’s age.
Where will my case be heard in Poquoson?
Your preliminary hearing will be at Poquoson General District Court (500 City Hall Avenue). If the case proceeds, the felony trial will be in Poquoson Circuit Court at the same address.
Should I talk to the police if I’m investigated?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a Poquoson statutory rape defense lawyer immediately.
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense hub, or read about general criminal defense in Poquoson. We also assist with DUI charges in Poquoson.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.