Bigamy

Bigamy is the term for two simultaneous marriages. A person may be charged with bigamy if he or she marries while still being legally married to someone else. This can occur for many reasons, with or without the knowledge and consent of all partners. The law does not tolerate it under any conditions. In Wisconsin, bigamy is a felony. If you or someone you love has been accused of bigamy, you may wish to seek legal counsel to help plan your defense.

Many people accused of bigamy simply did not understand that their previous marriage was not legally terminated. The news can come as a surprise to everyone involved. In these cases, the second marriage is usually treated as void, because it happened under illegitimate circumstances. Often, these sorts of cases are resolved relatively easily within the legal system.

More complicated are the cases in which all partners consent to the multiple marriages. United States law does not recognize plural marriage, even if everyone involved is a willing participant. Bigamists in these conditions often face staunch opposition in the U.S. legal system. However, all accused bigamists have the right to defend their case in a court of law, no matter what the circumstances.

Contact Us

If you have been charged with bigamy, a sympathetic Milwaukee criminal defense attorney may be able to help you. We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone involved, and we are committed to helping our clients understand and protect their rights. To learn more, contact Hart Powell, S.C. today at (414) 271-9595.