Wash. Rev. Code § 9A.64.010

Current through 3/29/2024
Section 9A.64.010 - Bigamy
(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.

RCW 9A.64.010

Amended by 2011 c 336,§ 385, eff. 7/22/2011.
1986 c 257 § 14; 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 § 9A.64.010.

Severability-1986 c 257: See note following RCW 9A.56.010.