'Sister Wives' Behind Bars! Kody & Spouses Could Go To Prison For Polygamy In Arizona
April 11 2019, Updated 12:46 p.m. ET
Kody Brown, his four wives Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn, and their children fled from Utah to Nevada to avoid prosecution for their polygamous lifestyle. Although the Sister Wives family was accepted in Las Vegas, they packed up and moved to Flagstaff, Arizona in August 2018.
But is the family safe from prosecution in their new state? Two Arizona-based attorneys exclusively reveal toRadarOnline.com that the family could face legal trouble again in their new home.
Breaking Rules
"Polygamy is unlawful in Arizona," legal expert Monica Lindstrom exclusively told Radar. " Arizona's Constitution specifically addresses polygamy and states in Article 20, section 2, 'Polygamous or plural marriages, or polygamous co-habitation, are forever prohibited within this state.' Under Arizona's Constitution, living with one wife and a spiritual wife, or two or three etc., could meet the definition of 'polygamous co-habitation,' which is prohibited."
Multiple Wives
As readers know, Kody was only legally married to first wife Meri. He then divorced her adopt fourth wife Robyn's children from a previous marriage. He had ceremonies to celebrate his marriages to second wife Janelle and third wife Christine.
Unlawful Lifestyle?
"Arizona defines marriage as 'the state of joining together as husband and wife through an agreement, promise or ceremony regardless of whether a marriage license has been issued by the appropriate authority,'" Lindstrom explained.
Expert Opinion
The criminal attorney continued, "'Spouses' is defined as two persons living together as husband and wife, including the assumption of those marital rights, duties and obligations that are usually manifested by married people, including but not necessarily dependent on sexual relations. These definitions arguably include 'spiritual' marriages which make what Kody Brown doing unlawful under Arizona law."
Felony Charges!
Although the family lives in separate homes, Managing Partner of Dwane Cates Law Group, Dwane Cates, claimed it "doesn't matter." Bigamy, which is one person married to two people at the same time, is a class 5 felony. The criminal law specialist told Radar, "He could get half a year to two-and-a-half years. He could get probation up to three years and $150,000 in fines."
More Trouble
Because he has four wives, he could be charged with four counts. "It's up to the judge to decide," Cates said.
Wives At Risk
Meri, Janelle, Christine and Robyn aren't safe, as Lindstrom claimed they could face criminal charges as well. "It is a crime to marry the spouse of another person. If the second wife knew the husband was married to the first wife, then she has violated the law," Lindstrom explained. "Although they themselves are not technically married to more than one person, they have agreed to allow it and have agreed to facilitate it."
Better Luck In Vegas!
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Although Cates doesn't practice in Nevada, he believes the family would be less likely to be charged in Sin City. "It would be that it's more socially acceptable and less likely to irritate in Nevada," he said.
Saving Grace
Fortunately for the family, it is unlikely they will be charged with breaking the law. "They typically go after if it's child bigamy the most," Cates said. "Prosecutors can decide to charge them or to not."
Regrets?
On Monday night's episode, the family had doubts about moving to Arizona. "One minute I feel like we're the dumbest people ever and then the next I am so hopeful for the future," Robyn said, as Christine added, "We're idiots. I felt like it over and over. It seems spontaneous and too fast." Kody even admitted, "Flagstaff is huge unknown. I'm slammed. I'm overwhelmed. I can sit down and cry."
