Bigamy Lawyer Wicomico County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a serious criminal offense in Maryland. In Wicomico County, a bigamy charge is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 and can result in significant penalties. If you are facing a bigamy charge, securing a skilled bigamy lawyer Wicomico County is critical.
Understanding Bigamy Law in Maryland
In Maryland, bigamy is defined as marrying another person while knowing that a former spouse is still living and that the prior marriage has not been legally dissolved by death, divorce, or annulment. The statute also covers situations where a person, with the intent to marry, cohabits with another individual while still legally married. A conviction is a misdemeanor but carries serious consequences that can impact your personal and professional life.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Wicomico County | Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of Maryland’s bigamy statute, refer to the Maryland General Assembly website (Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501). Court procedures and filings for Wicomico County cases are handled through the District Court of MD for Wicomico County.
Defense Strategy for a Bigamy Charge in Wicomico County
Defending against a bigamy charge requires a detailed examination of the facts and applicable law. A common defense is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally terminated. For instance, if you reasonably believed your divorce was final or that your former spouse was deceased, this can be a complete defense to the charge. Our approach involves gathering all marriage, divorce, and annulment records to establish the legal status of the prior union. In Wicomico County, prosecutors must prove you knowingly entered the second marriage while the first was still valid.
- Initial Case Review: We immediately obtain all charging documents and police reports to understand the specific allegations.
- Evidence Gathering: We collect and analyze marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, and any correspondence related to the dissolution of the prior marriage.
- Legal Analysis: We determine if the elements of the crime can be proven, focusing on your knowledge and intent at the time of the second marriage.
- Strategy Development: Based on the evidence, we build a defense, which may involve negotiating for a dismissal or reduction of charges or preparing for trial.
- Court Representation: We provide full representation at all hearings in the District Court of MD for Wicomico County.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Wicomico County, a bigamy conviction under Maryland law is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Misdemeanor | Up to 10 years | Up to $5,000 | Damage to personal reputation, potential immigration consequences, impact on child custody cases. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Complex Criminal Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the 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 a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a bigamy charge is not just a legal issue but a deeply personal one that can affect your family and future. Our team, including experienced Maryland attorneys, is prepared to defend your rights aggressively.
Case Results in Maryland
While every case is unique, our firm’s approach to building strong defenses has led to successful outcomes in complex matters. For example, our team has secured dismissals (Nolle Prosequi) in serious charges such as Child Pornography Promote/Distribute in Maryland courts. In another case, we negotiated a result where a client facing a Possess Child Pornography charge received a sentence of 5 years of incarceration with all time suspended and probation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Wicomico County Residents
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.
Our Maryland office serves clients across the state, including those in Wicomico County facing bigamy and other sex crime charges. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and meet with clients by appointment. We represent individuals in Salisbury, Fruitland, Delmar, and surrounding communities. If you need a bigamy charge defense lawyer Wicomico County, contact us for a confidential case assessment.
Bigamy Defense FAQs for Wicomico County
What is the penalty for bigamy in Maryland?
Bigamy is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000 under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501.
Can I be charged with bigamy if I didn’t know my first marriage was still valid?
It depends. A good-faith belief that your prior marriage was legally ended (by divorce, annulment, or death) is a valid defense. The prosecution must prove you knowingly married while still legally married to another. A multiple marriage charge lawyer Wicomico County can investigate to support this defense.
Is bigamy a felony or a misdemeanor in Maryland?
No, bigamy is classified as a misdemeanor under Maryland law, though it carries a potential prison sentence that is often associated with felony-level offenses.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy in Wicomico County?
Do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Immediately contact a bigamy lawyer Wicomico County like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. We can guide you through the process at the District Court of MD for Wicomico County and begin building your defense.
Can a bigamy charge affect a child custody case?
Yes. A criminal conviction, including for bigamy, can be used in family court proceedings to question a parent’s judgment or stability, potentially impacting custody and visitation arrangements.
Related Legal Services in Wicomico County
If you are dealing with this charge, you may also need assistance with related matters. Our firm provides full legal support in Wicomico County, including criminal defense, family law and divorce, and sex crime defense. For a broader view of our Maryland practice, visit our Maryland sex crime defense hub. We also serve clients in neighboring areas like Montgomery County and Prince George’s County.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Legal information is subject to change. For the most current advice regarding your specific situation, please contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
For the background behind a Wicomico County charge, our page explains how Maryland courts handle a bigamy charge.