Reports of Bigamy After Man Arrested in Maine for Having Wives in Georgia, Alabama, and New Hampshire

Reports of an arrest occurring in Maine has made the nightly news reports in Georgia as a result of the individuals implicated in the situation.

Michael Middleton, a local Maine man, faces felony charges of bigamy after he has been accused of marrying three different women. The latest wife is from New Hampshire whereas the first two wives were local to Georgia and Alabama. According to reports, the three women found out about each other and jointly filed police reports.

Prosecutors in Maine claim that they found three valid marriage certificates and theorize that Middleton was attempting to scam each of the women.

The majority of people consider bigamy as a crime of the past - it is still absolutely happening today. Many states, including both Maine and Georgia, criminalize the practice of bigamy.

Bigamy in Georgia

The criminal offense of bigamy in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §16-6-20 as:

A person commits the offense of bigamy when he, being married and knowing that his lawful spouse is living, marries another person or carries on a bigamous cohabitation with another person.

To be found guilty and convicted of bigamy, the prosecution must demonstrate that the suspect is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Bigamy is classified as a felony in Georgia. The penalty if convicted can include up to ten years in prison.

Practice Note

Just as with any other criminal offense, there are Georgia Criminal Defenses that can apply to an incorrect accusation. Just because someone has been accused of a crime does not automatically mean that they are guilty of that crime.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for committing a crime in Georgia, contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you today. We understand that an arrest is not a conviction, and we will fight for your rights.