Bigamy Lawyer Atlantic County — Defending Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a serious criminal offense in New Jersey. In Atlantic County, a bigamy charge is a fourth-degree crime under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1, punishable by up to 18 months in prison. If you face such a charge, you need a dedicated bigamy lawyer in Atlantic County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding Bigamy Charges in New Jersey
In New Jersey, bigamy is defined by statute N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1. The law prohibits a person from marrying or purporting to marry another if they know they have a living spouse, unless the prior marriage has been legally dissolved. The prosecution must prove you knowingly entered the subsequent marriage. Defenses often hinge on demonstrating a good-faith belief the prior marriage was invalid or terminated, or that you lacked the requisite knowledge. A skilled bigamy charge defense lawyer in Atlantic County can challenge the state’s evidence on these critical points.
Official Legal Resources
For the official statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1 (official New Jersey Legislature site). For court procedures and locations, visit the Atlantic Vicinage Superior Court website.
handling a Bigamy Case in Atlantic County Court
Bigamy cases in Atlantic County are heard in the Superior Court, Criminal Division. The process is demanding, beginning with an indictment by a grand jury. Prosecutors must establish your knowledge of the prior, undissolved marriage. A key local procedural fact is that the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office handles these cases, which often involve intricate evidence regarding marriage licenses and divorce decrees from other jurisdictions. An experienced multiple marriage charge lawyer in Atlantic County will immediately work to scrutinize the state’s evidence chain and your intent.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: Promptly consult with a defense attorney to review the charges and all marriage-related documents.
- Evidence Investigation: Your attorney will gather all divorce decrees, annulments, death certificates, or foreign marriage records to challenge the prosecution’s claim of a valid prior marriage.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on lack of knowledge or jurisdictional defects.
- Negotiation or Trial: Work toward a favorable plea resolution if appropriate, or prepare a vigorous defense for trial, focusing on your state of mind and belief.
- Sentencing or Appeal: If convicted, advocate for minimal penalties; if necessary, pursue appeals on legal errors.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in NJ
In Atlantic County, a bigamy conviction as a fourth-degree crime carries significant penalties that can impact your freedom, finances, and future.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | 4th-Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, immigration consequences, impact on child custody, personal reputation damage. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bigamy Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to serious criminal defense. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We understand that a bigamy charge is not just a legal issue but a deeply personal family matter requiring a discreet and strategic defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we meticulously investigate multi-jurisdictional evidence that is common in these cases.
Our Approach to Bigamy Defense
We approach every bigamy defense by first securing all marriage and divorce records. We then build a defense focusing on your lack of criminal intent—perhaps you believed in good faith that a divorce was final or that a prior marriage was void. We challenge the prosecution’s evidence at every turn. Our firm-wide experience across multiple states is invaluable for cases where prior marriages occurred outside New Jersey.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Atlantic County Bigamy Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Atlantic County, including Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Hamilton Township, and Pleasantville. We are accessible via the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway.
Bigamy lawyer near Atlantic County courts. 24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bigamy Charges in NJ
Is bigamy a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Bigamy is classified as a fourth-degree crime in New Jersey, which is equivalent to a felony in other states. A conviction can result in a state prison sentence of up to 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.
What is the main defense against a bigamy charge?
It depends, but a common defense is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was not legally valid or had been legally terminated. This requires evidence, such as a belief a divorce was final or that a spouse was deceased. A bigamy charge defense lawyer in Atlantic County can help gather the necessary documentation to support this claim.
Can I be charged if my second marriage was in another state or country?
Yes. New Jersey authorities can prosecute you if you are a resident or were married in NJ, even if the subsequent ceremony took place elsewhere. The key factor is your legal domicile and where the bigamous relationship is established.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy?
First, do not speak to investigators without an attorney. Second, immediately contact a skilled bigamy lawyer in Atlantic County. Begin collecting all documents related to all marriages and divorces. An attorney will protect your rights and start building your defense based on intent and evidence.
How long does a bigamy case typically take?
It varies. A case can take several months to over a year, depending on the scope of evidence, whether motions are filed, and if the case goes to trial. Early intervention by a multiple marriage charge lawyer in Atlantic County can sometimes lead to a quicker resolution.
For related legal help, see our pages on federal criminal defense in Atlantic County and family law in Atlantic County. For help in nearby areas, we also serve clients in Bergen County and Burlington County. Learn more about our firm on our New Jersey location page.
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Atlantic County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Atlantic Vicinage (1st Vicinage), 1201 Bacharach Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, telephone (609) 402-0100, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Atlantic County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Atlantic County NJ lawyers directory · Bigamy Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Bigamy Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Monmouth County NJ Bigamy Lawyer.