Cheating Could Land You Behind Bars in These 17 States

Did you know that in over a dozen states in the United States, cheating on your spouse can land you in jail? It’s true. 

While most people associate infidelity with emotional turmoil, these 17 states take it a step further by making it a punishable offense.

1. Michigan

Michigan has one of the strictest adultery laws. Under the Michigan Penal Code, adultery is considered a felony and is punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $5,000. Michigan also considers any post-divorce cohabitation between former spouses as falling under the crime of adultery.

2. Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, adultery is also a felony. It can result in up to five years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $500. Interestingly, it’s a crime not only for the married person but also for the other person involved, even if that person is single.

3. Wisconsin

Adultery in Wisconsin is a felony that can lead to a hefty fine of up to $10,000. The crime also carries a potential sentence of up to three and a half years of imprisonment.

In these next states, adultery is considered a misdemeanor. While rarely prosecuted, it’s still on the books as an offense. The fines can range from $10 to $2,500. 

4. Alabama

Adultery is a Class B misdemeanor in Alabama. The punishment can result in a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500. 

5. Arizona

Adultery is illegal in Arizona under Section 13-1408 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ref). The punishment for committing adultery in Arizona is a fine of up to $500. 

6. Florida

Adultery is classified as a misdemeanor offense in Florida. The specific fine for committing adultery is up to $500 and can still land you in hot water if your unfaithful escapades are exposed.

7. Georgia

Adultery is technically illegal in Georgia. It is classified as a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

8. Illinois

Adultery is classified as a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, court supervision, and/or imprisonment for up to a year.

9. Kansas

Kansas classifies adultery as a Class C misdemeanor. It comes with a potential fine of up to $500 and/or a maximum of one month behind bars.

10. Maryland

Adultery is considered a misdemeanor in Maryland. it is punishable by a fine of $10. While the fine is a small amount and prosecution is rare, it can have major implications in divorce proceedings.

11. Mississippi

Adultery is a misdemeanor offense in Mississippi. It comes with a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

12. North Carolina

North Carolina punishes adultery as a Class 2 misdemeanor offense. It is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 60 days.

13. North Dakota

Adultery is a class B misdemeanor in North Dakota. It is punishable by a fine of up to $1,500 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

14. Rhode Island

Adultery is classified as a misdemeanor offense in Rhode Island. If you’re caught in the act of adultery, you could be hit with a hefty fine of up to $500.

15. South Carolina

Adultery is a misdemeanor offense in South Carolina, punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than one year.

16. Virginia

Adultery is a misdemeanor offense in Virginia. It is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment for up to one year.

17. New York

Adultery is classified as a Class B misdemeanor in New York, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. However, legislators in New York are currently considering repealing the 1907 state law, which could decriminalize adultery (ref).

Whether viewed as outdated or still relevant, these laws offer a glimpse into the social dynamics surrounding infidelity and interpersonal relationships in modern society.