Bigamy Lawyer Frederick County — 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 Frederick County, you need a dedicated bigamy lawyer Frederick County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Frederick/Winchester General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
In Virginia, bigamy is defined as marrying another person while a prior marriage is still legally valid and undissolved. This is distinct from polygamy, which involves multiple concurrent marriages as a practice. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-362, makes it a felony to marry another person knowing that you or the other person is already lawfully married. A conviction for this multiple marriage charge can have severe, long-lasting consequences beyond incarceration.
As a bigamy charge defense lawyer Frederick County, we understand that these cases often involve complex factual scenarios, such as misunderstandings about the finality of a divorce decree from another state or country, or mistaken beliefs about the death of a former spouse. A thorough investigation is critical to building an effective defense.
External Legal Resources
For the official Virginia statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for felony bigamy charges in Frederick County are held at the Frederick/Winchester General District Court for preliminary hearings and the Frederick County Circuit Court for trials.
Defense Strategy for a Bigamy Charge in Frederick County
Successfully defending against a bigamy charge requires a detailed, case-specific approach. A common defense is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally terminated. This could be based on receiving a divorce decree you believed was final, or a reasonable belief that your former spouse was deceased. Our role as your bigamy lawyer Frederick County is to gather all evidence—such as divorce paperwork, communications, or records from other jurisdictions—to support this claim.
- Case Evaluation: We conduct an in-depth review of all marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and relevant communications to understand the timeline and your knowledge.
- Investigation: Our team investigates the validity of all prior marriages and any legal proceedings in other states or countries that may impact your case.
- Motion Practice: We file pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or to suppress improperly obtained information.
- Negotiation: We engage with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal of charges where the evidence supports a defense.
- Trial Preparation: If necessary, we prepare a vigorous trial defense focused on casting doubt on the element of knowledge or establishing a good-faith belief.
In Frederick County, 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 felony record, impact on immigration status, loss of professional licenses, damage to reputation. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Sex Crime Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. In Frederick County, we have a documented record of defending clients against serious charges. Mr. Sris personally oversees complex criminal defense strategies, ensuring each client receives focused, experienced representation.
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
Documented Case Results
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a proven track record in sex crime defense across Virginia. For example, our attorneys have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) for charges like solicitation of prostitution and achieved favorable bond reinstatements and charge reductions in complex felony solicitation cases. In Frederick County, our focused defense aims to protect our clients’ futures from the severe penalties of a conviction.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Serving Frederick County
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients facing charges at the Frederick County courts in Winchester. We represent individuals in Winchester, Stephens City, Middletown, Clear Brook, and Gore. If you need a bigamy lawyer near Frederick County, contact us for a consultation.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St #103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Frederick County
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Bigamy is classified as a Class 4 felony under Virginia law (Va. Code § 18.2-362), punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
What are common defenses to a bigamy charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved by divorce or death, or that the prior marriage was itself void. A bigamy charge defense lawyer Frederick County can investigate to determine if you held such a reasonable belief.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know my spouse was still married?
No, generally not. The prosecution must prove you knowingly entered into a marriage while you or your new spouse was still legally married. Lack of knowledge is a key defense.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy in Frederick County?
First, do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a bigamy lawyer Frederick County. An attorney can protect your rights, secure your release if jailed, and begin gathering evidence for your defense, such as divorce records from other jurisdictions.
How can a lawyer help with a multiple marriage charge?
A lawyer can challenge the evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, or argue for dismissal based on your lack of knowledge or a good-faith belief. An experienced multiple marriage charge lawyer Frederick County will work to avoid a felony conviction and its lifelong consequences.
Contact a Frederick County Bigamy Defense Attorney
If you are under investigation or have been charged with bigamy in Frederick County, time is critical. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers 24/7 consultations. Our experienced bigamy lawyer Frederick County team is ready to defend you. We also handle related matters like criminal defense and other sex crime charges across Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.