Bigamy Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Bigamy, the act of marrying someone while still legally married to another person, is a serious criminal offense in Maryland. In Anne Arundel County, a bigamy charge is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 and can result in significant penalties.
Maryland Bigamy Law and Penalties
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County | Maryland General Assembly
In Maryland, bigamy is defined as entering into a marriage ceremony or cohabiting with another person while a prior marriage is still legally valid and undissolved. The statute, Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501, classifies bigamy as a misdemeanor. A conviction can carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. The prosecution must prove that you had a living spouse at the time of the subsequent marriage and that you knew the prior marriage was still valid. Defenses often hinge on demonstrating a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally terminated, such as through divorce or annulment, or that the first spouse was believed to be deceased.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s bigamy statute, refer to Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures and filings for Anne Arundel County cases are handled through the District Court of MD for Anne Arundel County website.
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Anne Arundel County
Anne Arundel County Circuit Court handles all felony-level sex crime trials, which can include bigamy charges with aggravating factors. The State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County prosecutes these cases. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s sex offender registry has three tiers, making careful charge classification and reduction a central part of defense strategy for related offenses. For a bigamy charge defense lawyer in Anne Arundel County, building a defense often involves scrutinizing marriage records, divorce decrees, and the defendant’s state of mind at the time of the alleged offense.
- Secure immediate legal representation before making any statements.
- Your attorney will gather all marriage, divorce, and annulment documents.
- We will investigate the circumstances to establish a good-faith belief defense.
- File pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of the state’s evidence.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for a reduction or dismissal of charges.
- Prepare for trial, if necessary, to defend your rights in court.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in Maryland
In Anne Arundel County, a bigamy conviction under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Court discretion | Invalidation of subsequent marriage; impact on child custody and support proceedings. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your 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 track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. We understand the severe personal and legal consequences of a bigamy charge and provide a strategic, case-specific defense.
Our Experience with Maryland Cases
Our attorneys actively practice in Anne Arundel County and across Maryland. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide results demonstrate our commitment to vigorous defense. For example, our team has secured outcomes including dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) and favorable probation terms in sensitive criminal matters. Kristen Fisher, a former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney with over a decade of experience at our firm, brings invaluable insight into local prosecution strategies.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Bigamy Defense Lawyers
Our Maryland location serves clients in Anne Arundel County, including Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville. We are accessible via I-97, Route 50, and other major highways.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges
Is bigamy a felony in Maryland?
No. Under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501, bigamy is classified as a misdemeanor. However, it is a serious offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
What is the most common defense to a bigamy charge?
It depends, but a frequent defense is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally ended by divorce or annulment, or that the first spouse was deceased. A bigamy charge defense lawyer in Anne Arundel County will investigate to support this claim.
Can I be charged with bigamy if my second marriage was a religious ceremony only?
Yes, if the state can prove you intended to assume the legal rights and duties of marriage and held yourselves out as married. The lack of a civil license does not automatically prevent a charge.
What should I do if I am under investigation for bigamy?
Contact a multiple marriage charge lawyer in Anne Arundel County immediately. Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Your lawyer can advise you on preserving evidence and protecting your rights from the outset.
How can a lawyer help with a bigamy case?
A lawyer can challenge the validity of the prior marriage, gather evidence of your good-faith belief, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, and represent you at trial to fight for an acquittal.
Internal Links: For more information on related legal issues, see our Maryland Sex Crime Defense hub, or learn about general criminal defense in Anne Arundel County. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
The same rules apply outside Anne Arundel County, and our page on bigamy charges across Maryland walks through each stage.