Bigamy Lawyer King George County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Bigamy, the act of marrying someone 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 face a bigamy charge in King George County, you need a defense lawyer who understands the local courts. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | King George County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
Bigamy is defined under Virginia law as knowingly marrying another person while a prior marriage is still legally valid. This is distinct from polygamy, which involves multiple concurrent marriages as a practice. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-362, makes bigamy 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. Beyond the criminal penalties, a bigamy conviction can have severe personal consequences, including the annulment of the subsequent marriage, complex child custody and support issues, and significant damage to your reputation.
Common defenses to a bigamy charge include a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally dissolved (e.g., through divorce or death), proving the prior marriage was void from the beginning, or demonstrating that the defendant lacked the requisite intent. Each case hinges on specific facts and evidence.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the Virginia bigamy statute, you can review Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Court proceedings for felony bigamy charges in King George County begin in the King George County General District Court for preliminary hearings before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Defending a Bigamy Charge in King George County
A bigamy charge defense lawyer in King George County must handle both the legal elements of the crime and the local court procedures. The King George County Commonwealth’s Attorney prosecutes these cases. The defense strategy often involves meticulously examining marriage records, divorce decrees, and the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the second marriage.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: A lawyer will gather all marriage certificates, divorce papers, and communication records to assess the case’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Investigation & Evidence Gathering: This may involve subpoenaing records from other jurisdictions to verify the status of the prior marriage.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiation: Your attorney may file motions to suppress evidence or negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduction to a lesser charge, such as a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances.
- Preliminary Hearing (General District Court): The prosecution must show probable cause that a crime was committed. Your lawyer can challenge the evidence presented.
- Trial Preparation (Circuit Court): If the case proceeds, a detailed trial strategy is developed, focusing on intent and the validity of defenses.
- Resolution: The case may conclude through a plea agreement, dismissal, or a jury trial verdict.
In King George County, a bigamy charge is a serious felony with penalties of 2-10 years in prison. A strong legal defense is critical to protect your future.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy (Va. Code § 18.2-362) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Annulment of marriage, sex offender registry implications for related charges, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bigamy Charge 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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a bigamy charge is not just a legal issue but a deeply personal crisis. Our approach combines aggressive legal defense with a clear understanding of the personal stakes involved. Mr. Sris’s unique background in accounting and information systems provides an advantage in cases involving complex documentation and records.
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
While every case is unique, our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes in complex criminal matters. In King George County, we have secured results for clients across various practice areas. For instance, our team has successfully negotiated charge reductions and dismissals in sensitive cases where the client’s intent and knowledge were central issues. A multiple marriage charge lawyer must build a defense on facts and law, and our experience in the local courts is a critical asset.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Lawyer Near King George County
Our Fairfax location serves clients in King George County. We are accessible via major routes like I-95 and Route 3. We provide legal representation to individuals in King George, Dahlgren, and surrounding communities.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Virginia
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Under Va. Code § 18.2-362, bigamy is classified as a Class 4 felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
What is the difference between bigamy and polygamy?
Bigamy specifically refers to the act of entering into a marriage while a previous marriage is still legally valid. Polygamy is a broader term for the practice of having more than one spouse simultaneously, which includes bigamy. In Virginia, the criminal statute addresses the act of bigamy.
Can I go to jail for a bigamy charge in King George County?
Yes, a conviction for bigamy carries a mandatory prison sentence of 2 to 10 years. This makes securing an experienced bigamy lawyer in King George County essential to building a defense that seeks to avoid a conviction or reduce the charges.
What are common defenses to a bigamy charge?
Common defenses include proving a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally ended by divorce or death, demonstrating that the first marriage was void (e.g., due to fraud or incapacity), or showing a lack of intent to commit the crime. Each defense requires specific evidence.
Why do I need a lawyer for a bigamy charge?
A bigamy charge defense lawyer is crucial because the legal and factual issues are complex. A lawyer investigates the validity of all marriages, gathers evidence to support your defense, negotiates with prosecutors, and protects your rights in court. The severe penalties make professional representation necessary.
Related Legal Services in King George County: If you are facing other charges, our firm also provides defense for criminal charges, DUI, and family law matters. For more information on sex crime defense statewide, 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.