Bigamy Lawyer Ocean 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 New Jersey. If you are facing a bigamy charge in Ocean County, you need a dedicated bigamy lawyer Ocean County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Ocean Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
In New Jersey, bigamy is addressed under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1, which criminalizes bigamy and polygamy. The statute makes it a crime to marry or purport to marry another person when one is already legally married, unless the prior marriage has been annulled or dissolved. A conviction can carry significant penalties, including potential incarceration and fines. The legal definition hinges on the concept of a “legal” marriage, making the validity of prior marital status a central point of defense. A skilled bigamy charge defense lawyer Ocean County can examine the specifics of your situation, including the validity of any prior divorce or annulment, to build a strong defense.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the statute, refer to N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1 (official New Jersey statutes). Court procedures for criminal cases in Ocean County are handled by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Ocean Vicinage.
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Ocean County
Defending against a bigamy charge requires a detailed understanding of both criminal law and family law. A key defense often involves challenging the prosecution’s ability to prove that a prior legal marriage was still valid at the time of the subsequent marriage. This can involve obtaining and analyzing divorce decrees from other states or countries, or proving a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally terminated. In the Ocean County Superior Court, these cases are heard in the Criminal Division. Prosecutors must prove every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced multiple marriage charge lawyer Ocean County will scrutinize the evidence, challenge the state’s case, and explore all possible defenses, including lack of intent or mistake of fact.
- Case Assessment: We conduct an immediate review of all charges, police reports, and your personal marital history.
- Evidence Gathering: We obtain and verify all relevant marriage, divorce, and annulment documents from any jurisdiction.
- Defense Strategy: We develop a defense strategy, which may include challenging the validity of the prior marriage, proving a good-faith belief, or negotiating for a favorable resolution.
- Court Representation: We provide full representation at all court appearances, from arraignment through potential trial, in the Ocean County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in New Jersey
In Ocean County, a bigamy conviction under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1 is classified as a crime of the fourth degree, carrying serious consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, potential impact on immigration status, family law complications. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Serious Criminal Defense
The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We understand that a bigamy charge is not just a criminal matter but one that deeply affects your personal and family life. We approach each case with the diligence and strategic focus it demands.
While we do not have a locality-specific case count for bigamy in Ocean County, our firm-wide record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Bigamy Lawyer Near Ocean County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Ocean County, including Toms River, Lakewood, Brick Township, and Jackson Township. We are accessible to those near the Garden State Parkway and Route 37.
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 Ocean County
Is bigamy a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Bigamy is classified as a crime of the fourth degree in New Jersey, which is indictable and equivalent to a felony in other states. Conviction can result in a state prison sentence of up to 18 months.
What is the main defense against a bigamy charge?
It depends. Common defenses include proving a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved (e.g., based on a defective divorce decree), demonstrating that the prior marriage was void from the beginning, or challenging the state’s evidence regarding the validity of either marriage.
Can I be charged if I didn’t know my spouse was still married?
Yes, you can still be charged. However, a lack of knowledge or a good-faith belief that your spouse was legally free to marry can be a powerful defense. An attorney will investigate to support this claim.
How long does a bigamy case typically take?
The timeline varies. A case in Ocean County Superior Court can take several months to over a year, depending on the issues in dispute, evidence, negotiations, and whether it proceeds to trial. Early intervention by a bigamy lawyer Ocean County can influence the pace and outcome.
Will a bigamy charge affect a pending divorce or custody case?
It can. A criminal bigamy charge may be used in family court proceedings to question character or fitness, potentially impacting decisions related to divorce settlements, alimony, or child custody. Coordinated defense across legal areas is important.
For more information, see our New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer hub. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Atlantic County and with related matters such as Ocean County Family Law.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Your case in Ocean 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 Ocean County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Ocean Vicinage (9th Vicinage), 120 Hooper Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753, telephone (732) 504-0700, 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 Ocean 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: Ocean County NJ lawyers directory · Bigamy Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Bigamy Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Monmouth County NJ Bigamy Lawyer.