Bigamy Lawyer Manassas — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a Class 4 felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-362, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. If you are facing a bigamy charge in Manassas, you need a dedicated bigamy lawyer Manassas from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Manassas General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
In Virginia, bigamy is defined by statute as marrying another person while having a living spouse from a prior marriage, or marrying someone known to have a living spouse. The law, codified in Va. Code § 18.2-362, makes this offense a Class 4 felony. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000. The case is typically initiated in the Manassas General District Court before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial. Defending a bigamy charge often involves examining the validity of prior marriages, establishing a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence of intent.
In Manassas, a bigamy conviction is a Class 4 felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent criminal record, impact on immigration status, potential impact on child custody. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Contact our bigamy lawyer Manassas team immediately. We will review all charges, prior marriage documents, and the prosecution’s evidence against you.
- Investigation & Evidence Gathering: We will obtain certified records of all prior marriages and divorces, investigate the validity of each union, and identify potential defenses such as a good-faith belief of divorce.
- Pre-Trial Strategy & Negotiation: We will develop a defense strategy, which may include filing motions to suppress evidence or negotiating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney for a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Court Representation: We will provide full representation at all hearings, from the preliminary hearing in Manassas General District Court to any potential trial in Prince William County Circuit Court.
Why Choose Our Manassas Bigamy Defense Team
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 deep understanding of Virginia’s family and criminal law statutes allows us to build nuanced defenses for charges like bigamy. Mr. Sris’s unique background, including his personal work amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), provides insight into the intersection of family law and criminal allegations. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C.
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific results depend on the unique facts of each case, our approach is consistently thorough and strategic. For instance, our team has successfully defended against charges where the validity of a foreign divorce was in question, skilled to case dismissals. In other matters, we have negotiated reductions from felony to misdemeanor charges, avoiding severe penalties for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Near Manassas, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Manassas and is accessible via I-66 and Route 28. We are your local bigamy charge defense lawyer Manassas, also serving surrounding communities like Manassas Park, Centreville, and Haymarket. Available 24/7 for phone consultations.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Manassas
What is the penalty for bigamy in Virginia?
Bigamy is a Class 4 felony in Virginia, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Can I be charged with bigamy if I thought I were divorced?
It depends. A defense to bigamy under Va. Code § 18.2-362 can be a good-faith and reasonable belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved by death, divorce, or annulment. Proving this belief often requires documentation and testimony.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a bigamy lawyer Manassas to review your case. An attorney can secure marriage and divorce records and begin building your defense based on the specific facts.
Is bigamy a federal crime?
No. Bigamy is prosecuted under state law. However, if it involves crossing state lines or other factors, federal fraud or immigration charges could potentially apply.
How can a lawyer help with a multiple marriage charge?
A multiple marriage charge lawyer Manassas can investigate the validity of all marriages, challenge the prosecution’s evidence of intent, assert defenses like good-faith belief, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative resolutions to avoid a felony conviction.
Related Pages: For other legal challenges, see our Manassas criminal defense lawyer or Manassas family law attorney pages. For a broader view, visit our Virginia sex crime defense hub.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.