Bigamy Lawyer Loudoun County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, entering 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 face a bigamy charge in Loudoun County, you need a dedicated bigamy lawyer Loudoun County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Loudoun County Circuit 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 and undissolved. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-362, classifies bigamy as 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 charge requires the prosecution to prove you had a living spouse at the time of the subsequent marriage and that you knew the prior marriage was still legally binding. Defenses often involve challenging the validity of the first marriage, proving a good-faith belief it was dissolved, or lack of knowledge.
In Loudoun County, a bigamy charge is a serious felony carrying 2-10 years in prison and requires an immediate defense strategy from an experienced bigamy lawyer Loudoun County.
| 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.
Why You Need a Bigamy Charge Defense Lawyer Loudoun County
A bigamy charge defense lawyer Loudoun County is essential because these cases sit at the intersection of criminal law and complex family law. The prosecution must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, including the legal validity of the first marriage and your knowledge of its status. An experienced attorney will investigate the circumstances of both marriages, examine divorce decrees for validity, and explore defenses such as a good-faith belief that the first marriage was annulled or dissolved. In Loudoun County Circuit Court, where these felonies are tried, having a lawyer who understands both the procedural rules and the substantive law is critical to building a strong defense.
- Initial Consultation & Case Analysis: Discuss all details of both marriages with your attorney. Provide any divorce papers, separation agreements, or annulment documents.
- Investigation & Document Review: Your bigamy charge defense lawyer Loudoun County will obtain certified copies of all marriage and divorce records to verify their legal standing and jurisdiction.
- Defense Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, your lawyer will determine the best defense, such as challenging the validity of the first marriage or asserting a good-faith belief it was ended.
- Court Representation: Your attorney will represent you at all hearings in Loudoun County General District Court (preliminary hearings) and Loudoun County Circuit Court (trial), advocating for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Our Experience in Loudoun County Courts
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 “Advocacy Without Borders” philosophy means we provide full representation for clients facing serious charges like bigamy. Mr. Sris’s unique background in accounting and information systems is particularly valuable for cases involving detailed document trails, such as marriage and financial records. We understand the high stakes of a felony charge in Loudoun County and work diligently to protect our clients’ rights and futures.
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
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Loudoun County. While every case is unique, our focused approach to building defenses based on evidence and procedure is designed to achieve the best possible result.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyers Serving Loudoun County
Our Ashburn location serves clients throughout Loudoun County, including Ashburn, Leesburg, Sterling, Purcellville, South Riding, and Brambleton. We are accessible for those needing a multiple marriage charge lawyer Loudoun County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Ashburn/Loudoun
20130 Lakeview Center Plaza Suite 400 Room No 403
Ashburn, VA 20147
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 571-279-0110
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Virginia
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Bigamy is a Class 4 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-362, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
What is the main defense against a bigamy charge?
It depends. Common defenses include proving a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally dissolved (e.g., based on a faulty divorce decree), demonstrating that the first marriage was void from the beginning, or challenging the prosecution’s evidence that you knowingly entered a second marriage.
Can I be charged if my spouse was missing and presumed dead?
Yes, unless you had a court order declaring the spouse dead. Virginia law requires a legal dissolution of marriage before remarrying. A good-faith belief is a potential defense, but it must be proven in court.
Where are bigamy cases heard in Loudoun County?
Felony bigamy charges are tried in the Loudoun County Circuit Court. Preliminary hearings may first occur in the Loudoun County General District Court.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy?
Immediately contact a bigamy lawyer Loudoun County. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Gather all documents related to both marriages and any divorce paperwork for your lawyer to review.
For more information on Virginia criminal statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly official code website. For court-specific procedures, refer to the Loudoun County Circuit Court website.
If you are facing related charges, explore our pages on Loudoun County criminal defense and Loudoun County family law. For a broader view of our sex crimes defense practice, 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.