2013 Revised Code of Washington
Title 9A - WASHINGTON CRIMINAL CODE
9A.64 Family offenses.
9A.64.010 Bigamy.

RCW 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.

[2011 c 336 § 385; 1986 c 257 § 14; 1975 1st ex.s. c 260 § 9A.64.010.]

Notes:

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