Bigamy
Definition of Bigamy?
Every person who having been married to another who remains living, marries any other person except in the cases specified in the next section is guilty of bigamy.
Exceptions to Bigamy
The last preceding section does not extend:
1. To any person whose husband or wife by a former marriage has been absent for five (5) successive years without being known to such person within that time to be living; nor,
2. To any person whose husband or wife by a former marriage has absented himself or herself from his wife or her husband and has been continually remaining without the United States for a space of five (5) years together; nor,
3. To any person by reason of any former marriage which has been pronounced void, annulled or dissolved by the judgment of a competent court; nor,
4. To any person by reason of any former marriage with a husband or wife who has been sentenced to imprisonment for life.
Penalty for Bigamy
Any person guilty of bigamy shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not exceeding five (5) years.
Knowingly Marrying a Bigamist - Penalty
Any person who knowingly marries the husband or wife of another, in any case in which such husband or wife would be punishable according to the foregoing provisions, shall be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the State Penitentiary not exceeding five (5) years, or in a county jail not exceeding one (1) year, or by a fine not exceeding Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or by both such fine and imprisonment.
What can I do?
It is possible to be guilty of bigamy and not know it. For instance, say your spouse abandoned you or disappeared, and three years went by without hearing anything from them. If you decided to get married again, you would technically be in violation of the above statute. According to the statute you would need to wait at least five years before getting married again, or petition for a legal divorce prior to get married. There are numerous situations where an accidental oversight might result in a violation of this particular law. Whether intended or not, you deserve the best possible legal representation. Whatever your circumstance, call us so that we can get to work on your case and get your side of the story. We will put up a zealous defense to protect you and your future. Call us today!
Legal Concerns?
Stay safe and stay silent. Don’t make a statement to police. You have the right to stay silent, and you should always take full advantage of that right. Even with the best intentions, your words can still be used against you. Without proper representation, the police can set you up for failure that could cause lots of inconvenience and unnecessary aggravation. Let us set you up for success!
If you have been accused of Bigamy, be sure to contact the aggressive and compassionate attorneys at Boeheim Freeman Law, who will fight for you and your rights!
Litigation Expertise
The best criminal lawyers will tear apart the credibility and reliability of the State’s witnesses. We investigate thoroughly any motivation that a witness might have to lie or deceive. Our attorneys are well trained in cross-examination techniques and can expertly maneuver around a witness and trap them in their lies and misconceptions. We will get the truth and vigorously defend you. You need an attorney who not only knows the law, but knows how to argue it effectively. Let Boeheim Freeman Law’s expertise and training go to work for you.