Bigamy Lawyer Sussex 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. A bigamy lawyer Sussex County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides defense against these charges, which are prosecuted under N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1.
What Is Bigamy Under New Jersey Law?
In New Jersey, bigamy is classified as a crime of the fourth degree. The statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1, makes it unlawful for a person to marry or purport to marry another person if they know they have a living spouse from a prior marriage that has not been legally dissolved by death, divorce, or annulment. The charge does not require proof of fraudulent intent at the time of the second ceremony; knowledge of the existing marriage is the key element. Defenses often involve demonstrating a good-faith belief that the prior marriage was legally terminated.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Sussex Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the specific law and the court where your case will be heard is critical. You can review the official state statute on the New Jersey Legislature website: N.J.S.A. 2C:24-1 (official New Jersey Legislature). For information on court procedures and locations in Sussex County, visit the Superior Court of New Jersey, Sussex Vicinage website.
Local Defense Strategy for a Bigamy Charge in Sussex County
Defending a bigamy charge requires a nuanced approach that addresses both the legal and personal circumstances. In Sussex County, cases are heard in the Superior Court, Law Division (Criminal Part). A common defense is establishing a good-faith belief that the first marriage was invalid or had ended, perhaps due to misinformation about a divorce decree. Prosecutors must prove you knowingly entered the second marriage while legally bound by the first.
- Initial Consultation & Case Review: We examine all marriage certificates, divorce decrees, and communications to understand the timeline and your state of knowledge.
- Investigation & Evidence Gathering: Our team verifies the legal status of all prior marriages, which may involve contacting out-of-state courts or foreign jurisdictions.
- Legal Motion Practice: We may file motions to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence or to suppress improperly obtained information.
- Negotiation & Resolution: We engage with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office to seek a favorable resolution, which could include a reduction to a lesser offense or a diversion program, depending on the facts.
- Trial Preparation: If a fair plea cannot be reached, we prepare a vigorous defense for trial, focusing on your lack of criminal intent.
Potential Penalties for a Bigamy Conviction
In Sussex County, a bigamy conviction as a fourth-degree crime carries a potential state prison sentence, significant fines, and lasting personal consequences.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigamy | Crime of the 4th Degree | Up to 18 months | Up to $10,000 | Criminal record, impact on immigration status, potential loss of professional licenses, personal reputational harm. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bigamy Charge Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to serious criminal defense. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We understand that a bigamy charge is not just a legal issue but a deeply personal family matter requiring discretion and a strategic defense focused on your specific circumstances.
Our Approach to Bigamy Defense Cases
Our defense begins with a thorough investigation into the validity of all marriages involved. We work to demonstrate a lack of criminal intent, which is central to the charge. In many cases, individuals act under a mistaken belief that a prior divorce was finalized or that a previous marriage was not legally valid. We gather evidence, including correspondence with attorneys or court officials, to support this defense. With extensive experience across New Jersey, our attorneys, including Mr. Sris, are prepared to defend your rights in Sussex County Superior Court.
Bigamy Lawyer Near Sussex County, NJ
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Sussex County courts. We represent individuals in Newton, Sparta, Vernon, Franklin, Hamburg, Andover, Stanhope, and Hopatcong. 24/7 phone consultations are available — meetings are 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 crime of the fourth degree in New Jersey, which is equivalent to a felony in other states. A conviction can result in state prison time and substantial fines.
What is 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 may be a cultural or religious practice but is still illegal under New Jersey law. Both are prosecuted under the same statute.
Can I be charged with bigamy if my second marriage was in another state?
Yes. New Jersey authorities can prosecute you if you are a resident or are found within the state, even if the bigamous marriage ceremony took place elsewhere. The key factor is your legal marital status at the time of the second ceremony.
What are common defenses against a bigamy charge?
Common defenses include proving a good-faith belief that the first marriage was annulled or divorced, that the first spouse was presumed dead after a long absence, or that the first marriage was legally invalid from the start (e.g., due to fraud or incapacity).
Should I talk to the police if I’m accused of bigamy?
No. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used as evidence. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately request to speak with a bigamy charge defense lawyer Sussex County from our firm.
If you need a bigamy lawyer Sussex County residents trust for a strong defense, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today. We offer 24/7 consultations to discuss your multiple marriage charge and your legal options.
Related Practice Areas: Business Lawyer Sussex County | Federal Criminal Lawyer Sussex County
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Page Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding a bigamy charge.
The same rules apply outside Sussex County, and our page on bigamy cases across Virginia walks through each stage.
Your case in Sussex County, New Jersey
Sexual-offense charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Sussex County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Sussex Vicinage (10th Vicinage), 43-47 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860, telephone (973) 579-0933, 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 N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 (aggravated sexual assault) within the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Sussex 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: Sussex County NJ lawyers directory · Bigamy Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Bigamy Lawyer Essex County, NJ.