# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 10. Crimes Against Public Health, Conduct, and Sensibilities

### Subtitle 5. Crimes Against Marriage

#### Section 10-502

(a) 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) While lawfully married to a living person, a person may not enter into a marriage ceremony with another.

(c) 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) 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 Sec. 10-502 of the Criminal Law Article, against the peace, government, and dignity of the State.".

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)