Bigamy Lawyer Somerset County — Defending Against Multiple Marriage Charges
Bigamy, the act of entering into a marriage while still legally married to another person, is a serious crime in New Jersey. In Somerset County, a bigamy charge is prosecuted as a fourth-degree indictable offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1, carrying potential prison time and fines.
New Jersey Bigamy Law and Penalties
In New Jersey, bigamy is defined by statute as marrying or purporting to marry another person when the actor knows they have a living spouse, or when the other person has a living spouse, from whom no divorce or annulment has been granted. The law is specific and requires the prosecution to prove knowledge of the existing marriage.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience. We understand the severe personal and legal consequences a bigamy conviction can bring, including damage to reputation, family relationships, and future opportunities.
Official Legal Resources
Defending a Bigamy Charge in Somerset County
Prosecution for bigamy in Somerset County is handled by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office in the Superior Court. A strong defense often hinges on challenging the element of knowledge or the validity of the prior marriage. Common defenses include a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally dissolved, an error in divorce documentation, or a challenge to the legal standing of the first marriage.
- Initial Consultation: Discuss the details of both marriages, all related documents, and the circumstances skilled to the charge.
- Document Investigation: We obtain and verify all marriage licenses, divorce decrees, annulments, and death certificates from relevant jurisdictions.
- Defense Strategy: Based on the evidence, we build a defense focusing on lack of criminal intent, invalid prior marriage, or legal mistake.
- Negotiation or Trial: We engage with the prosecutor to seek a dismissal or favorable plea, prepared to take the case to trial if necessary to protect your rights.
Potential Penalties for Bigamy in New Jersey
In Somerset County, a bigamy charge is a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | 4th Degree Crime | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, impact on immigration status, personal reputation damage. |
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. brings a unique combination of experience to your defense. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997. With a background in accounting and information systems, he provides a strategic advantage in cases involving complex documentation. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results. We provide full representation, from the initial investigation through every court appearance.
Our Approach to Bigamy Charge Defense
We approach every bigamy charge defense lawyer Somerset County case with a focus on the specific facts. We immediately secure all relevant legal documents from every jurisdiction involved. We investigate the client’s belief about their marital status at the time of the second marriage. Our goal is to demonstrate a lack of criminal intent, which is a required element for conviction. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which gives us use in negotiations with the prosecution.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Bigamy Defense Lawyer Near Somerset County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Somerset County, including Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster. We are accessible via I-287, Route 22, and Route 206.
Available 24/7 for 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
Is bigamy a felony in New Jersey?
Yes. Bigamy is classified as a fourth-degree indictable offense in New Jersey, which is equivalent to a felony in other states. It is prosecuted in Superior Court.
What are the common defenses against a bigamy charge?
It depends. Defenses often include a good-faith belief that a prior marriage was legally ended by divorce or annulment, that the prior marriage was void from the beginning, or that the defendant lacked knowledge of the other spouse being alive. A multiple marriage charge lawyer Somerset County can evaluate which defense applies to your situation.
Can I be charged if my first spouse was missing and presumed dead?
No, not if you had a good-faith and reasonable belief based on specific facts that your first spouse was deceased. This is a valid defense, but you must be able to prove the reasonableness of that belief.
Does a bigamy charge affect child custody or divorce proceedings?
Yes. A criminal conviction, especially for an offense involving dishonesty or family law, can significantly impact related family court matters like divorce, child custody, and spousal support. It can affect a judge’s view of a parent’s judgment and moral character.
Why do I need a specialized bigamy lawyer in Somerset County?
A specialized bigamy lawyer Somerset County understands the specific statutes, local court procedures at the Somerset Vicinage, and the nuanced defenses that apply. This charge intersects criminal law and complex family law issues from multiple jurisdictions, requiring an attorney with experience in both areas.
Related Legal Resources
- New Jersey Sex Crime Defense Lawyer
- Sex Crime Defense Lawyer in Bergen County
- Criminal Defense Lawyer in Somerset County
- Family Lawyer in Somerset County
Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current legal guidance regarding your bigamy charge defense.