Bigamy Lawyer Rockville — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a serious criminal offense in Maryland. In Rockville, a bigamy charge is prosecuted under Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 and can result in a felony conviction. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for those facing bigamy charges in Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Bigamy Law and Penalties
In Maryland, bigamy is defined by statute as marrying another person while a prior marriage is still legally valid. The law, Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501, classifies bigamy as a felony. A conviction can lead to significant penalties, including incarceration and fines. The prosecution must prove you knowingly entered a second marriage with the intent to violate the law, while a prior spouse was still living and the marriage had not been legally dissolved by divorce, annulment, or death.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the Maryland bigamy statute, refer to Md. Code, Criminal Law Art. § 10-501 (official Maryland General Assembly). Court procedures for Montgomery County cases are handled by the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County.
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Montgomery County
A bigamy charge defense in Rockville often hinges on the defendant’s knowledge and intent. A common defense is a good-faith belief that the first marriage was legally terminated. In Montgomery County Circuit Court, prosecutors must establish you knew the prior marriage was valid. Our defense strategy involves scrutinizing marriage records, divorce decrees, and your understanding of the first marriage’s status. Pre-trial motions to challenge the sufficiency of evidence are critical in these cases.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the details of both marriages and any divorce proceedings with your attorney.
- Evidence Review: Your attorney will obtain and analyze all marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and annulment records.
- Defense Strategy: Build a defense based on lack of criminal intent, such as a good-faith belief in divorce validity.
- Pre-Trial Motions: File motions to dismiss if the state’s evidence of a valid prior marriage is insufficient.
- Negotiation or Trial: Seek a favorable plea agreement to a lesser charge or proceed to trial to assert your defense.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Rockville, a bigamy conviction under Md. Code § 10-501 carries a penalty of up to 9 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, as it is classified as a felony.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Felony | Up to 9 years | Up to $5,000 | Felony criminal record, impact on immigration status, potential loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Maryland Criminal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate firm-wide. Our team understands the severe personal and legal consequences of a bigamy charge and works to protect your rights and future.
Case Results in Maryland
Our firm has a documented record of achieving favorable results in Maryland criminal cases. For instance, we have secured dismissals (nolle prosequi) in serious charges such as child pornography distribution in Baltimore County. In Montgomery County, we have 4 documented sex crime case results with a 75% favorable outcome rate. While every case is unique, this history demonstrates our commitment to vigorous defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bigamy Charge Defense Lawyer Serving Rockville
Our Rockville location serves clients throughout Montgomery County and is accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355. We are a local bigamy charge defense lawyer Rockville for communities including Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Potomac. We offer 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only at our Maryland location.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for bigamy in Maryland?
Bigamy is a felony in Maryland under Md. Code § 10-501, punishable by up to 9 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Can I be charged with bigamy if I didn’t know my divorce wasn’t final?
It depends. A valid defense to a bigamy charge is a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally ended. Your attorney would need to gather evidence, such as divorce filing receipts or correspondence, to prove your lack of criminal intent.
Is bigamy a felony or misdemeanor in Maryland?
Bigamy is classified as a felony under Maryland law.
What should I do if I am charged with bigamy in Rockville?
Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone else. Your attorney will review the marriage and divorce documents to build a defense focused on your intent and the legal status of your prior marriage.
What’s the difference between bigamy and polygamy?
Bigamy specifically refers to the act of marrying one person while still legally married to another. Polygamy is a broader term for having multiple spouses simultaneously, which is also illegal. A bigamy charge is how polygamy is typically prosecuted under Maryland law.
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.
If you want to see how a Rockville case fits into the wider process, our page on bigamy lawyer Maryland covers it from start to finish.