Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/11-45 – Bigamy and Marrying a bigamist
Current as of: 2024 | Check for updates
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Other versions
(a) Bigamy. A person commits bigamy when that person has a husband or wife and subsequently knowingly marries another.
(a-5) Marrying a bigamist. An unmarried person commits marrying a bigamist when that person knowingly marries another under circumstances known to him or her which would render the other person guilty of bigamy under the laws of this State.
For details, see § Ill. Comp. Stat. 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55
(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to bigamy and marrying a bigamist that:
(1) The prior marriage was dissolved or declared
(a-5) Marrying a bigamist. An unmarried person commits marrying a bigamist when that person knowingly marries another under circumstances known to him or her which would render the other person guilty of bigamy under the laws of this State.
Attorney's Note
Under the Illinois Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $2,500 |
Terms Used In Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/11-45
- State: when applied to different parts of the United States, may be construed to include the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" may be construed to include the said district and territories. See Illinois Compiled Statutes 5 ILCS 70/1.14
(b) It shall be an affirmative defense to bigamy and marrying a bigamist that:
(1) The prior marriage was dissolved or declared
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invalid; or
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(2) The accused reasonably believed the prior spouse
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to be dead; or
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(3) The prior spouse had been continually absent for
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a period of 5 years during which time the accused did not know the prior spouse to be alive; or
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(4) The accused reasonably believed that he or she or
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the person he or she marries was legally eligible to be married.
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(c) Sentence.
Bigamy is a Class 4 felony. Marrying a bigamist is a Class A misdemeanor.
Bigamy is a Class 4 felony. Marrying a bigamist is a Class A misdemeanor.