Bigamy Lawyer Fairfax County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a serious felony in Virginia. A bigamy lawyer Fairfax County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense against these charges, which carry up to 10 years in prison. Our firm has documented results defending clients in Fairfax County courts.
Virginia Bigamy Law and Penalties
Bigamy is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-362. The statute makes it a Class 4 felony for any person, being married, to marry another person during the life of the former spouse, unless certain specific exceptions apply. A conviction can result in a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years and a fine of up to $100,000.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fairfax County Circuit Court | Virginia General Assembly
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the severe personal and legal consequences of a bigamy conviction, which can include damage to reputation, family disruption, and significant penalties.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-362 (official Virginia General Assembly website). Felony cases are heard in the Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Defense Strategy for a Bigamy Charge in Fairfax County
A bigamy charge defense lawyer Fairfax County must carefully examine the facts. The prosecution must prove you had a living spouse at the time of the second marriage ceremony. Common defenses include lack of knowledge that the first marriage was still valid, a good-faith belief that a divorce was final, or that the first marriage was legally void. In Fairfax County, these cases often involve complex evidence regarding marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and jurisdictional issues.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss all details of both marriages, divorce proceedings, and your knowledge of the legal status.
- Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will obtain certified copies of all marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and any annulment records.
- Legal Analysis: We will determine if any statutory exceptions apply or if the first marriage was invalid.
- Case Strategy: Develop a defense plan, which may involve negotiating for a reduction to a lesser charge or preparing for trial.
- Court Representation: Advocate for you at all hearings, from arraignment through potential trial in Fairfax County Circuit Court.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in Virginia
In Fairfax County, a bigamy conviction is a Class 4 felony carrying 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine 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, professional licensing issues. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage. We have a track record of documented results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our approach is direct and focused on protecting your rights and future.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious charges. While every case is unique, our strategic defense aims for the best possible result, whether through dismissal, reduction of charges, or favorable negotiation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Fairfax County Bigamy Defense Lawyers
Our Fairfax location serves clients throughout Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. We are accessible for those needing a bigamy lawyer near Fairfax County courts.
Neighborhoods Served: Fairfax, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Reston, McLean, Vienna, Tysons, Oakton, Springfield, Annandale, Falls Church area.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
By appointment only.
Fairfax County Bigamy Charge FAQs
What is the penalty for bigamy in Virginia?
Bigamy is a Class 4 felony in Virginia, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Can I be charged with bigamy if I didn’t know my first marriage was still valid?
It depends. A valid defense under Virginia law is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was dissolved by divorce, annulment, or death. A multiple marriage charge lawyer Fairfax County can investigate to gather evidence supporting this belief, such as correspondence with an attorney or court regarding divorce proceedings.
What’s the difference between bigamy and polygamy?
Bigamy specifically refers to the crime of entering into a marriage while already legally married to someone else. Polygamy is a broader term for having multiple spouses simultaneously and is often used in religious or cultural contexts. Both are illegal under Virginia’s bigamy statute.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Immediately contact a bigamy lawyer Fairfax County like those at SRIS, P.C. We will protect your rights, secure all relevant marriage and divorce documents, and begin building your defense strategy.
Can a bigamy charge affect my immigration status?
Yes. A felony conviction for bigamy can have severe consequences for non-citizens, including deportation, denial of naturalization, or being barred from re-entering the United States.
Related Pages: Fairfax County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Virginia Sex Crime Defense Lawyer | Prince William County Sex Crime Lawyer
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for current legal guidance.
The same rules apply outside Fairfax County, and our page on bigamy charges across Virginia walks through each stage.