Revised Code of Washington (RCW) (Last Updated: August 9, 2016) |
Title 9A. WASHINGTON CRIMINAL CODE |
Chapter 9A.64. Family offenses. |
Section 9A.64.010. Bigamy.
Latest version.
- (1) A person is guilty of bigamy if he or she intentionally marries or purports to marry another person when either person has a living spouse.(2) In any prosecution under this section, it is a defense that at the time of the subsequent marriage or purported marriage:(a) The actor reasonably believed that the prior spouse was dead; or(b) A court had entered a judgment purporting to terminate or annul any prior disqualifying marriage and the actor did not know that such judgment was invalid; or(c) The actor reasonably believed that he or she was legally eligible to marry.(3) The limitation imposed by RCW 9A.04.080 on commencing a prosecution for bigamy does not begin to run until the death of the prior or subsequent spouse of the actor or until a court enters a judgment terminating or annulling the prior or subsequent marriage.(4) Bigamy is a class C felony.NOTES:Severability—1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.