Bigamy Lawyer Poquoson — 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. A conviction can result in up to 10 years in prison. If you are facing a bigamy charge in Poquoson, you need an experienced bigamy lawyer Poquoson from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
In Virginia, bigamy is classified as a Class 4 felony. The statute, Va. Code § 18.2-362, makes it illegal for any person, being married, to marry another person or to continue to cohabit with such other person in this state. The law applies even if the prior marriage occurred in another state or country, provided it would be recognized as valid in Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Poquoson General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had a living spouse at the time of the subsequent marriage ceremony. Defenses often involve challenging the validity of the first marriage, proving a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally dissolved, or demonstrating that the prior spouse was absent for a continuous period of seven years and not known to be alive.
Official Legal Resources
- Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly statute on bigamy)
- Poquoson General District Court official website for case information
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Poquoson
Facing a bigamy charge requires immediate action. The case will begin at the Poquoson General District Court for a preliminary hearing. A skilled bigamy charge defense lawyer Poquoson will investigate every detail, from the marriage licenses and divorce decrees to the intent and knowledge of all parties involved. The goal is to have the charge reduced or dismissed before it proceeds to Circuit Court for a felony trial.
- Secure Immediate Representation: Contact a lawyer as soon as you are charged or under investigation. Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present.
- Gather All Documents: Your attorney will need all marriage certificates, divorce decrees, annulment papers, and any death certificates.
- Case Analysis & Strategy: Your lawyer will analyze the evidence to identify defenses, such as a good-faith belief in divorce or the invalidity of a prior marriage.
- Preliminary Hearing: Your attorney will represent you at the General District Court hearing to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
- Negotiation or Trial: Based on the strength of the defense, your lawyer will negotiate for a reduction or dismissal, or prepare for a Circuit Court trial.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in Virginia
In Poquoson, a bigamy conviction is a Class 4 felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison 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. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 understand that a bigamy charge often stems from complex personal circumstances or misunderstandings about legal marital status, not criminal intent. We approach each case with diligence, aiming to protect your future and achieve the best possible resolution.
Our Approach to Bigamy Cases
Our defense strategy is built on a meticulous review of all marital documents and the circumstances surrounding the allegations. We look for legal technicalities, such as defects in a prior marriage ceremony that could nullify it, or evidence supporting a good-faith belief that a divorce was final. In one case handled by our firm, we successfully argued for the dismissal of a bigamy charge by proving our client had received official documentation he reasonably believed was a final divorce decree from another state. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
For a multiple marriage charge lawyer Poquoson who will thoroughly investigate every angle of your case, contact our team. Associate attorney Matthew Greene, with over 30 years of experience including former death penalty certification, brings additional depth to our criminal defense team on complex felony matters.
Contact Our Poquoson Bigamy Defense Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Richmond Location — Serving Poquoson
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Ste 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Richmond location serves clients in Poquoson and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay communities. We provide clear guidance and aggressive defense for those facing serious felony charges like bigamy.
Bigamy Defense FAQs in Poquoson, VA
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 are common defenses to a bigamy charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include proving a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally ended by divorce or annulment, demonstrating that the first marriage was void from the beginning (e.g., due to fraud, incapacity, or a prior existing marriage), or that the prior spouse was absent and presumed dead for seven years.
Can I be charged if my second marriage was in another state?
Yes. Virginia law applies if you continue to cohabit as married within the state, even if the marriage ceremony took place elsewhere. Jurisdiction can be complex, requiring a skilled bigamy charge defense lawyer Poquoson to analyze.
What should I do if I am under investigation for bigamy?
Immediately contact a criminal defense attorney. Do not answer questions from law enforcement or provide any documents without legal counsel. An attorney can advise you on your rights and begin building a defense strategy from the outset.
How can a lawyer help with a bigamy case?
A lawyer investigates the validity of all marriages, gathers essential documents, identifies legal defenses, negotiates with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges, and provides representation at all court hearings. Early intervention by a bigamy lawyer Poquoson is critical for a favorable outcome.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer Hub
- Henrico County Sex Crime Lawyer
- Poquoson Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding bigamy charges in Virginia.