2016 Maryland Code
Criminal Law
Title 10 - Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities
Subtitle 5 - Crimes Against Marriage
§ 10-502. Bigamy
(a) Scope of section. -- This section does not apply to a person if:
(1) the person's previous lawful spouse has been absent from the person for a continuous period of 7 years; and
(2) the person does not know whether the person's previous lawful spouse is living at the time of the subsequent marriage ceremony.
(b) Prohibited. -- While lawfully married to a living person, a person may not enter into a marriage ceremony with another.
(c) Penalty. -- A person who violates this section is guilty of the felony of bigamy and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 9 years.
(d) Charging document. -- An indictment or warrant for bigamy is sufficient if it substantially states:
"(name of defendant) on (date), in (county), having a living spouse, feloniously entered into a marriage ceremony with (name of subsequent spouse), in violation of ยง 10-502 of the Criminal Law Article, against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.".
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