Will I go to jail for Xenogamy Fraud ?

By max@dotcomlawyermarketing.com
August 8, 2024
7 min read
48+ Years of Combined Experience
Featured in Netflix's Inventing Anna
Available 24/7 for Emergency Cases
Todd Spodek - Managing Partner

Schedule Your Free Consultation with Todd Spodek

Immediate Response Available • Attorney-Client Privilege • No Financial Obligation

100% Confidential • No Obligation

Time-Sensitive Legal Matters: Early intervention can significantly impact your case outcome. Schedule your consultation today.

Netflix Featured
10.0 Avvo Rating
700+ 5-Star Reviews
Super Lawyers
federal defense

Will I Go to Jail for Xenogamy Fraud?

CONGRATULATIONS! You finally found Mr. or Ms. Right, the person with whom you're hoping to spend the rest of your life. But before you say "I do," there's an important legal matter to consider: xenogamy fraud.You may have heard of, or yourself experienced, horror stories about people being charged with xenogamy fraud. They seem to be prevalent and ubiquitous nowadays. But what exactly is xenogamy fraud? And could you really go to jail for it?

What is Xenogamy Fraud?

In simple terms, xenogamy fraud is the act of deceiving someone into marrying you by falsely claiming you are single when you are actually already married to someone else. It's a form of bigamy, which is illegal in all 50 states.The legal definition of xenogamy fraud, according to Black's Law Dictionary, is:
"The act of entering into a marriage with another person while still legally married to someone else, and misrepresenting one's marital status to the new spouse."
So there are two key elements:
  1. Being legally married to one person
  2. Lying about your marital status to trick someone else into marrying you
Xenogamy fraud–and the deception leading up to it–can be extremely damaging, both emotionally and legally. So if you're considering getting married while still technically married to someone else, we advise you to think long and hard about the potential consequences.

Penalties for Xenogamy Fraud

The penalties for xenogamy fraud vary by state, but in general, it is considered a felony offense. This means if convicted, you could face:
  • Hefty fines (up to $10,000 or more in some states)
  • Significant jail or prison time (up to 5 years in some states)
  • A permanent criminal record as a convicted felon
  • Deportation (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
In addition to criminal penalties, xenogamy fraud can also lead to civil liabilities. Your first spouse could sue you for divorce on grounds of adultery. And your second "spouse" could sue you for fraud and infliction of emotional distress. You may be ordered to pay substantial damages in either case.Some real-world examples of people convicted of xenogamy fraud include:
State Defendant Sentence
California Rodney Stank 4 years in prison
Florida Alicia Scott 2 years in prison
Texas Steven DeMoss 10 years in prison
As you can see, the legal consequences of xenogamy fraud are no joke. It's not something to take lightly or attempt on a whim.

Defenses Against Xenogamy Fraud Charges

If you have been charged with xenogamy fraud, all hope is not lost. Depending on the circumstances, there may be defenses available to fight the charges or mitigate the penalties. Some common defenses raised in xenogamy fraud cases include:
  • Lack of intent to deceive: Xenogamy fraud requires deliberate misrepresentation of your marital status. If you honestly believed you were legally divorced or that your first marriage was invalid, you may be able to argue lack of fraudulent intent.
  • Mistaken belief in divorce: Similarly, if you thought you were officially divorced but the divorce was actually not finalized due to a procedural error or other technicality, you may have a defense based on mistaken belief.
  • Void first marriage: If your first marriage was void (legally invalid from the beginning), then you were never actually married and cannot be guilty of xenogamy fraud for subsequently marrying someone else. Grounds for void marriage include incest, bigamy, and mental incapacity.
  • Religious marriage: In some cases, people may go through a religious marriage ceremony without obtaining a legal marriage license. If your first "marriage" was only a religious ceremony and not legal, marrying someone else would not be xenogamy fraud.
However, asserting any of these defenses will require skillful advocacy from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Trying to handle xenogamy fraud charges on your own is extremely risky.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help

At Spodek Law Group, we have extensive experience defending clients against all types of fraud charges, including xenogamy fraud. Our battle-tested criminal defense lawyers know how to spot weaknesses in the prosecution's case and raise every possible defense on your behalf.We understand that facing criminal charges is a frightening and stressful ordeal, especially when your freedom and family are on the line. That's why we treat every client with the utmost compassion, discretion, and dedication. We will be by your side every step of the way, fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.Some of the specific ways our xenogamy fraud attorneys can help include:
  • Conducting a thorough investigation to uncover evidence in your favor
  • Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements to support your defense
  • Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence or dismiss improper charges
  • Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
  • Zealously defending you at trial and holding the prosecution to its burden of proof
  • Guiding you through the complex legal process and ensuring your rights are protected
With so much at stake, you cannot afford to take chances with your defense. You need a powerhouse law firm that will leave no stone unturned in fighting for you. You need the Spodek Law Group.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group?

Spodek Law Group is one of the premier criminal defense law firms in the country. Here are just a few reasons why clients nationwide trust us with their most pressing legal challenges:
  • Unmatched experience. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience and have handled thousands of criminal cases, including high-stakes federal fraud cases. We've seen it all and know how to get results.
  • Former prosecutors. Several of our attorneys are former prosecutors who understand how the other side thinks. We use our insider knowledge to anticipate the prosecution's tactics and stay one step ahead.
  • Aggressive advocacy. We never back down from a fight, even against the most formidable opponents. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice for our clients and will not rest until we have exhausted every possible avenue of defense.
  • Personalized attention. We understand that every case is unique and every client has different needs. We take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and craft a customized defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
  • 24/7 accessibility. We know that criminal charges don't keep business hours. That's why we are available 24/7 to take your call and respond to your emergencies. We will be there whenever you need us.
When your life and liberty are on the line, you cannot settle for second best. You need a heavyweight in your corner with the skill, experience, and tenacity to go toe-to-toe with the prosecution and win. You need the Spodek Law Group.

Don't Face Xenogamy Fraud Charges Alone

If you or a loved one has been charged with xenogamy fraud, time is of the essence. The sooner you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of beating the charges and avoiding the life-altering consequences of a conviction.At Spodek Law Group, we are ready to fight for you with everything we've got. We will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice on your behalf. Contact us today at 212-300-5196 or visit us online at https://www.federallawyers.com to schedule a free and confidential consultation.Remember, you have rights and you have options. Let us help you protect them. Call the Spodek Law Group today and let us fight for your freedom, your family, and your future. Your life is our mission.

Share This Article:

Todd Spodek

About the Author

Todd Spodek, Managing Partner

Todd Spodek is the Managing Partner of Spodek Law Group, a premier NYC law firm specializing in divorce, family law, and criminal defense. Featured in Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd brings over 48 years of combined legal experience to every case. Known for his strategic approach and dedication to clients, he has successfully handled thousands of complex legal matters throughout New York.

48+ Years Experience
Netflix Featured
10.0 Avvo Rating

Don't Navigate Your Legal Challenges Alone

Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your case

Available 24/7 • Free Case Evaluation • No Obligation

FEATURED IN MAJOR MEDIA

Todd Spodek • Legal Expert • Media Commentator

New York Post
Newsweek
CNN
The Cut
The Spectator
Business Insider
TIME
Netflix

SPODEK LAW GROUP

TREATING YOU LIKE FAMILY SINCE 1976

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

24/7 Free Consultation • No Obligation Case Review

*
*
*
*
*

* required fields