TCA 39-15-301
Bigamy
MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply
What does this charge mean?
Marrying or purporting to marry another person while already married is bigamy, illegal whether you are the married person or knowingly marry someone who is already married. A defense exists if you reasonably believed your prior marriage was dissolved by death, divorce, or annulment. The offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 11 months 29 days in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines, and is treated as a continuing offense.
Penalty Details
ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) A person commits bigamy who: (1) Is married and purports to marry or be married to a person other than the person’s spouse in this state under circumstances that would, but for the person’s existing marriage, constitute a marriage; or (2) Knows that a person other than the person’s spouse is married and purports to marry or be married to the person in this state under circumstances that would, but for the person’s existing marriage, constitute a marriage. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under subdivision (a)(1) that the person reasonably believed that the person’s marriage had been dissolved by death, divorce or annulment. (c) For purposes of determining when prosecution for this offense must begin under § 40-2-101: (1) A violation of this section is a continuing offense; and (2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the applicability of § 40-2-103. (d) Bigamy is a Class A misdemeanor and, in addition to the authorized term of imprisonment, shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026
Quick Facts
MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-15-301
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500