Bigamy Lawyer Gloucester County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while still legally married to another, is a Class 4 felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-362, punishable by 2-10 years in prison. If you face a bigamy charge in Gloucester County, you need a strong defense. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Gloucester County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
Bigamy is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-362. A person is guilty of bigamy if they marry another person in Virginia while they have a living spouse from a prior marriage, unless certain exceptions apply (e.g., the person reasonably believes their prior spouse is dead, or the prior marriage was legally dissolved). This statute is the foundation for any bigamy charge defense lawyer Gloucester County must understand. The law treats bigamy as a serious offense due to its impact on the legal institution of marriage and potential for fraud.
In Gloucester County, a bigamy case is typically initiated in the Gloucester County General District Court for preliminary hearings before potentially moving to Circuit Court for trial. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a valid prior marriage existed and that the defendant entered into a subsequent marriage knowing the first was still legally binding.
External Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly statute on bigamy)
- Gloucester County General District Court website
Gloucester County Court Process for a Bigamy Charge
The procedural path for a bigamy case in Gloucester County follows specific steps. An arrest or summons leads to an initial appearance. Given the felony classification, securing experienced counsel immediately is critical for a multiple marriage charge lawyer Gloucester County residents can rely on.
- Initial Appearance & Bond Hearing: You will appear before a magistrate or judge. An attorney can argue for favorable bond conditions.
- Preliminary Hearing: Held in Gloucester County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause for the felony charge to proceed to Circuit Court.
- Grand Jury Indictment: The case is presented to a grand jury; if they issue a “true bill,” it moves to Circuit Court for trial.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Negotiations: Your attorney files motions to challenge evidence and engages in negotiations with the Commonwealth’s Attorney, which may lead to charge reduction or dismissal.
- Trial or Disposition: The case proceeds to a bench or jury trial in Gloucester County Circuit Court, or is resolved through a plea agreement.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Gloucester County, a bigamy conviction as a Class 4 felony carries a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy (Va. Code § 18.2-362) | Class 4 Felony | 2 – 10 years | Up to $100,000 | Permanent criminal record, impact on immigration status, potential loss of professional licenses, social stigma. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Complex Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. In Gloucester County, we have 9 total documented case results across all practice areas. Our approach is grounded in thorough investigation, strategic negotiation, and, when necessary, aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
Our firm’s results demonstrate our commitment to client defense. In Bedford County Circuit Court, we successfully negotiated the reinstatement of a $25,000 secured bond for a client facing three felony charges of computer solicitation. In another case in the same court, we achieved an amendment of similar charges resulting in a total sentence of 5 years. In Chesterfield County General District Court, we secured a nolle prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with solicitation of prostitution. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification and a 14-year contract with Child Protective Services in Alexandria, contributes significant depth to our defense team on complex cases.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Near Gloucester County
Our Richmond location serves clients facing charges at the Gloucester County courts. We are accessible to communities including Gloucester and Gloucester Point.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — 7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Gloucester County
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 a bigamy charge be dismissed?
It depends. A strong defense may lead to dismissal if the prosecution cannot prove an element of the crime, such as the validity of the first marriage or the defendant’s knowledge of its existence. An experienced bigamy charge defense lawyer Gloucester County relies on can challenge the evidence and seek a favorable resolution.
What are common defenses to a bigamy charge?
Common defenses include a good-faith belief that the prior spouse was deceased, a reasonable belief that the prior marriage was legally annulled or divorced, lack of knowledge that the first marriage was still valid, or demonstrating that the first marriage was itself void from the beginning.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy charge?
Yes. Given the severe felony penalties and complex legal issues involving marriage validity, hiring a skilled multiple marriage charge lawyer Gloucester County can provide is essential to protect your rights and build a defense.
Where are bigamy cases heard in Gloucester County?
Felony bigamy charges begin with a preliminary hearing in the Gloucester County General District Court at 7400 Justice Drive. If the case proceeds, it will be tried in the Gloucester County Circuit Court at the same address.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our Gloucester County criminal defense lawyer or Virginia sex crime defense hub. For a neighboring locality, consult a sex crime defense lawyer in Henrico County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.