Bigamy lawyer Isle of Wight County, VA
Facing a bigamy charge in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, can be overwhelming. A conviction carries life-altering consequences, including the possibility of incarceration and a permanent felony record that can affect your employment, housing, and family relationships. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide defense representation for individuals accused of bigamy and also address the related family law implications such as void marriages, divorce, and property division. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are prepared to protect your rights and work toward a favorable resolution. For a consultation, reach us at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Bigamy Means in Isle of Wight County, Virginia
A bigamy prosecution in Isle of Wight County arises when a person who is legally married enters into a subsequent marriage while the first marriage remains undissolved. The charge is governed by Virginia Code § 18.2-362 and is classified as a felony. Because the offense carries the risk of significant incarceration, as well as substantial fines, it is handled at the felony level in the Isle of Wight County Circuit Court, located at 17122 Monument Circle, Suite A, Isle of Wight, VA 23397. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes these matters, and a conviction can result in a criminal record that follows you for life.
Beyond the criminal penalties, a bigamy charge often creates additional legal problems in family court. A marriage entered into while a prior marriage is still in effect is void from the beginning. Consequently, issues related to divorce, spousal support, property division, and child custody become more complicated. In Virginia, the allegation of bigamy may also be used as a fault-based ground to end a marriage, and it can influence a judge’s decisions regarding equitable distribution and the best interests of any children. If you are facing a bigamy allegation—or if you believe your spouse may have entered into a bigamous marriage—obtaining experienced legal guidance is essential.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Bigamy Cases
When handling a bigamy matter, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin with a careful investigation of the facts. The prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly entered into a marriage while still legally bound to a prior spouse. Defenses can include a good-faith belief that the prior marriage had been dissolved, that the prior marriage was invalid, or that the accused reasonably relied on official records showing a divorce. The firm’s attorneys will challenge the evidence, examine the validity of the prior marriage, and, where appropriate, negotiate with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to seek a reduction or dismissal of the charge.
In addition to criminal defense, the firm addresses the substantial family law consequences that accompany a bigamy allegation. A bigamous marriage is void, meaning neither party acquires legal rights as a spouse. This can affect everything from the division of assets acquired during the relationship to claims for spousal support. The firm works to resolve these issues either through negotiation or, when necessary, litigation in the appropriate court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys are experienced in both criminal defense and family law, and they bring a coordinated approach to cases that involve both types of proceedings.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He has extensive experience in criminal litigation, including felony defense, and he understands how the Commonwealth builds a bigamy case. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys include litigators with backgrounds in criminal defense and family law. Collectively, they assist clients appearing in the Isle of Wight County Circuit Court and other courts throughout Virginia. The firm serves individuals who need representation for criminal allegations while also managing the attendant divorce or custody issues. For a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the penalty for bigamy in Virginia?
Bigamy is a felony offense that can result in imprisonment and significant fines. A person convicted under Virginia Code § 18.2-362 faces a felony record and the collateral consequences that come with it, including potential employment and housing restrictions. The specific sentence imposed depends on the circumstances of the case and the judge’s evaluation at sentencing. Every bigamy case is unique, and the court has a range of options when determining the penalty.
Can I go to jail for bigamy in Isle of Wight County?
Yes, a bigamy conviction can lead to jail or prison time. Because bigamy is prosecuted as a felony in Isle of Wight County Circuit Court, a sentence may include incarceration. The length of any term of confinement is determined by the judge after considering the facts, any prior criminal history, and the arguments presented by both sides. Working with an experienced attorney can help you present mitigating factors to the court.
Is bigamy a ground for divorce in Virginia?
Yes, a marriage entered into while still legally married is void from the beginning. An innocent spouse may file for an annulment or a divorce based on the bigamous conduct. The fact of bigamy can also impact the division of property and any claim for spousal support. An attorney can advise you on how a bigamy allegation might affect your divorce proceeding and your rights to marital assets.
How does a prior marriage affect bigamy charges?
A prior marriage that was never legally dissolved is the central element of a bigamy prosecution. If the prior marriage was void or had been terminated by divorce or annulment before the second ceremony, the charge may not hold. Similarly, a reasonable but mistaken belief that a prior marriage was no longer valid can be a defense. The firm’s attorneys will examine the status of the prior marriage closely to identify any grounds on which the charge can be challenged.
Do I need a lawyer for a bigamy charge in Isle of Wight County?
Yes, because bigamy is a serious felony, you should have legal representation as early as possible. An attorney can protect your rights during the investigation, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and seek to have the charge reduced or dismissed. Without a lawyer, you risk accepting a conviction that could have long-term consequences for your liberty, your family, and your future. The firm offers confidential consultations to discuss your situation.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
For the official statute, see Va. Code § 18.2-362 (Bigamy). For court information, visit Isle of Wight County Circuit Court.
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