Criminal Bigamy Charges

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida

After long and arduous marital issues, my 1st husband and I chose to 'separate'. After 6-8 months of sorting through a financial quagmire, him dealing with extensive debt, and neither of us having the resources to pay for an attorney, we chose to go our separate ways.

I met another man who I was in love with, and was in the military. Due to this fact, we chose to get married. We never lived together or consummated the marriage, as he was out of town. A couple of months later, his parents hired a private investigator and found my previous marriage, tipping off the local authorities that I was in a bigamous situation.

Me and my second husband took immediate steps to have the already void marriage officially nullified via judicial decree. However, tonight, I was arrested for bigamy. After posting a hefty bond, I am now in search of an excellent criminal attorney, (none of which I've contacted have any experience with bigamy. Even the arresting officer said that he has not ever seen a bigamy charge in 20+ years)

Both husbands are on great terms, and are willing to do what is necessary to make sure this is handled painlessly, but obviously, the government has other thoughts. All three of us are frustrated with the criminalization of what we see as a civil matter. There is no property, money or children involved.

I would love some advice for possible defenses, or referrals to an attorney who has experience and knowledge on this case. A felony conviction will effectively ruin my entire life and career. (I work in a sensitive field.)

You married husband #2 in what state?

Florida, unfortunately.

You already know where I was going with that? Then it sounds like your lawyer has already scrutinized possible technicalities, or you've done a lot of research yourself. (For those wondering, Florida's bigamy statute has been interpreted by its courts to require that either the second marriage or cohabitation occur in Florida in order for the crime to be charged in that state. See, e.g., Wills v. State, 63 So.2d 184 (1953)).

I hope his folks are aware that Junior could get in trouble too. Adultery is still a crime under the UCMJ. He needs to have a long talk with his parents about butting the hell out of his life. Would it be safe to assume they aren't fond of you?

You might get lucky and the prosecutor won't want to run with a dog of a case, based on an old and probably rarely used law. It is a pretty easy, no-brainer win for them though so they may run with it if they are hungry for a win.

I haven't retained an attorney yet, but I did find that particular case through my own research. Very good eye, though. Thank you for your input.

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They are most assuredly not fond of me. Husband #2's relationship with the meddling parents is strained, at best, at the moment. They have made every effort to get his command involved and paint him as the victim in this situation in an effort to prevent any possible backlash with the UCMJ.

The phrase "no-brainier" worries me. Unfortunately, I think they are out for blood on this one.