Legal Question in Military Law in Tennessee

Unknowingly committing adultery

I was ''involved'' with a guy who told me he was divorced. However; I found out later that he lied, is still married but separated. What trouble could come of this because we both are military?


Asked on 7/16/04, 8:47 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Unknowingly committing adultery

As Mr. Puckett said, unless there is a spouse to complain, you probably don't have to worry. But you must break off the relationship and sever your ties to this person.

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Answered on 7/19/04, 10:04 am
Neal Puckett The Law Firm of Puckett and Faraj, PC

Re: Unknowingly committing adultery

As long as it remains undiscovered, (meaning that there is no "complaining party" like an aggrieved spouse), there should be no problem. The military crime of adultery is very fact-specific when it comes to enforcement. If there is no impact on the military community (your command or his), it often goes uninvestigated and unpunished. Further, the fact that you didn't know he was married, if sufficiently "proven" to your superior, should absolve you of any allegation of wrong doing. There is no requirement to put yourself on report, though.

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Answered on 7/17/04, 10:26 am


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