Bigamy Lawyer Caroline County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Bigamy is a Class 4 felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-362, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. If you are charged in Caroline County, you need a strong defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has experience with complex family law and criminal cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | Caroline County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while still legally married to another person, is a serious crime in Virginia. It is prosecuted under Va. Code § 18.2-362. The statute requires the prosecution to prove you knowingly entered into a second marriage while a prior spouse was still living and the prior marriage was still legally valid. A conviction is a Class 4 felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000. The case begins in Caroline County General District Court for a preliminary hearing before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly). For court information, visit the Caroline County General District Court website.
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Caroline County
A bigamy charge defense lawyer Caroline County from our firm will examine every aspect of your case. A common defense is a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally dissolved through divorce or annulment. We will gather evidence such as divorce decrees, separation agreements, or documentation showing you believed your spouse was deceased. In Caroline County, prosecutors must prove you acted knowingly. We work to challenge the evidence and protect your rights at every stage.
- Schedule a consultation with our firm to discuss the specific allegations.
- We will conduct a thorough investigation into the status of all prior marriages.
- We will gather all relevant documents, such as marriage certificates and divorce records.
- We will develop a defense strategy, which may include negotiating for a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- We will represent you at all court hearings in Caroline County General District and Circuit Courts.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Caroline County, a bigamy conviction is a Class 4 felony with a penalty of 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 loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Complex Legal Matters
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founder, a former prosecutor, has a deep understanding of both sides of the courtroom. We have handled thousands of cases across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our approach is to provide clear, direct legal advice and aggressive representation. For a multiple marriage charge lawyer Caroline County residents can trust, our team has the knowledge to handle these sensitive cases.
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 has a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. In Caroline County, we have secured results across various practice areas. Every case is unique, and we dedicate our resources to building the strongest possible defense for your specific situation. We understand the severe personal and legal consequences of a bigamy charge and fight to protect your future.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Near Caroline County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients in Caroline County. We are accessible via I-95 and Route 1. We provide legal representation for residents of Bowling Green, Carmel Church, and surrounding areas.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Bigamy is classified as a Class 4 felony under Virginia law, specifically Va. Code § 18.2-362.
What is a common defense against a bigamy charge?
It depends. A frequent defense is a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally ended by divorce or annulment, or that the prior spouse was deceased. A lawyer will investigate to find supporting evidence for this belief.
Can I go to jail for bigamy in Caroline County?
Yes. A conviction for bigamy, a Class 4 felony, carries a potential prison sentence of 2 to 10 years in a Virginia state correctional facility.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy?
Contact a defense lawyer immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else. A lawyer can advise you on your rights, begin an investigation, and represent you in Caroline County General District Court.
Does a bigamy charge affect a divorce case?
Yes. A bigamy charge can significantly complicate divorce proceedings, potentially affecting issues like spousal support, property division, and the overall legal standing of the marriages in question.
Internal Resources
For more information, see our Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like Criminal Defense in Caroline County and Family Law in Caroline County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.