What penalty is imposed for practicing bigamy in Washington state?

Bigamy in Washington State

Bigamy is a serious offense that is illegal in all 50 states of the US, including Washington. Bigamy occurs when a person knowingly and willfully enters into a marriage with another person while still being legally married to someone else. The act of bigamy is considered a crime in Washington state and can lead to imprisonment, fines, and other penalties.

Definition of Bigamy

Bigamy is a form of polygamy that involves being married to more than one person at the same time. In Washington state, it is illegal for a person to be married to more than one person at a time. This means that if a person is already legally married to someone, they cannot enter into another marriage with someone else without obtaining a divorce or an annulment of their first marriage.

Legal Status of Bigamy in Washington State

The state of Washington recognizes only one legal marriage at a time. Any subsequent marriages are considered invalid and illegal. It is illegal to marry another person while still being legally married to someone else. The state does not recognize common-law marriages or marriages that are solemnized by a person who does not have the authority to perform marriages.

Grounds for Prosecuting Bigamy

A person can be prosecuted for bigamy in Washington state if they knowingly and willfully enter into a marriage while still being legally married to someone else. The prosecution must prove that the person had the intention to commit bigamy at the time of the second marriage. The prosecution can also prove that the person had knowledge of the first marriage and that the first marriage was still valid at the time of the second marriage.

Penalties for Bigamy in Washington State

Imprisonment for Bigamy

Bigamy is considered a class C felony in Washington state. The penalty for bigamy in Washington state is imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000. The court may also order the person to pay restitution to their first spouse for any damages suffered as a result of the bigamy.

Fines for Bigamy

In addition to imprisonment, a person convicted of bigamy may also be ordered to pay fines. The amount of the fine can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the circumstances of the case.

Other Consequences of Bigamy

In addition to imprisonment and fines, a person convicted of bigamy may also face other consequences. They may lose their job, their professional license, and their reputation. They may also lose custody of their children and be barred from receiving any government benefits.

Defense Against Bigamy Charges

If you are facing bigamy charges in Washington state, you may be able to defend yourself by proving that you did not have the intention to commit bigamy at the time of the second marriage. You may also be able to argue that you were not aware that your first marriage was still valid at the time of the second marriage.

Conclusion: Consequences of Bigamy in Washington State

Bigamy is a serious offense in Washington state. It can lead to imprisonment, fines, and other penalties. If you are facing bigamy charges, it is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and develop a strong defense strategy.

Resources for Help with Bigamy Charges

If you are facing bigamy charges in Washington state, there are several resources available to help you. The Washington State Bar Association can provide you with a referral to a criminal defense attorney. The Washington State Courts website also has information on criminal procedures and resources for defendants.