Bigamy Lawyer Madison County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a felony in Virginia under Va. Code § 18.2-362. In Madison County, a conviction can result in 1-5 years in prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Madison County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
Bigamy is defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-362. It is a Class 6 felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The statute applies when a person, having a living spouse, marries another person, or when a person marries someone they know is already married. Defenses can include a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved by death or divorce. The law is strictly enforced, and charges often arise during divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, or immigration applications.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly). Court proceedings for felony bigamy charges begin in Madison County General District Court for preliminary hearings before moving to Circuit Court for trial.
Madison County Court Process for Bigamy Charges
Bigamy cases in Madison County follow a specific felony procedure. The case starts with an arrest or summons. A preliminary hearing is held at the Madison County General District Court to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to Circuit Court. Given the personal and documentary nature of the evidence—marriage certificates, divorce decrees—early case assessment is vital.
- Arrest/Summons: You will be formally charged and given a court date for Madison County General District Court.
- Preliminary Hearing: The Commonwealth must show probable cause. Your attorney can challenge the evidence at this stage.
- Circuit Court Arraignment: If bound over, you will be formally charged in Madison County Circuit Court and enter a plea.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your lawyer will file motions to suppress evidence and obtain all the prosecution’s documents.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence within the statutory range.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Madison County, a bigamy conviction is a Class 6 felony carrying 1-5 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy (Va. Code § 18.2-362) | Class 6 Felony | 1 – 5 years | Up to $2,500 | Criminal record, impact on immigration status, potential loss of professional licenses, social stigma. |
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 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 family matter. Our approach is to build a defense that protects your freedom and minimizes the personal fallout.
Case Results and Defense Strategy
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in complex criminal cases. In Madison County, we have 45 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. For a bigamy charge defense lawyer Madison County, success often hinges on challenging the prosecution’s proof of a valid prior marriage or establishing a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was terminated. We work with forensic document examiners and investigators to scrutinize marriage and divorce records from other jurisdictions. Secondary attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience and a former contract with Child Protective Services, provides additional depth in cases with family court overlap.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Near Madison County, VA
Our Fairfax location serves clients at the Madison County courts. We are accessible via Route 29 and Route 231. We provide legal support to individuals throughout the Madison community.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Fairfax
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in Madison County
Is bigamy a felony in Virginia?
Yes. Bigamy is a Class 6 felony under Va. Code § 18.2-362, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
What are common defenses to a bigamy charge?
It depends. Common defenses include a good-faith belief that a prior spouse was dead or that a divorce was final, the invalidity of the prior marriage, or mistaken identity. A skilled bigamy charge defense lawyer Madison County can investigate the facts to identify the strongest defense for your situation.
Can I be charged with bigamy if my second marriage was in another state or country?
Yes. Virginia law applies if you are a resident or if the bigamous marriage took place in Virginia. Prosecutors may use marriage records from other jurisdictions as evidence. This complexity underscores the need for a lawyer experienced with multiple marriage charge lawyer Madison County cases.
What should I do if I am under investigation for bigamy?
Do not speak to law enforcement or anyone else about the case without an attorney. Immediately contact a criminal defense lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. An attorney can advise you on your rights and begin building a defense during the investigation phase.
How can a bigamy lawyer Madison County help me?
A lawyer will protect your rights, investigate the charges, challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss the charge, and provide strong representation at trial. The goal is to avoid a felony conviction and its lifelong consequences.
Related Legal Services: If you are facing a bigamy charge, you may also want to learn about our services as a Madison County criminal defense lawyer or Madison County family law attorney. For an overview of our sex crime defense practice, visit our Virginia sex crime defense lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.