The Brown family, stars of the reality television series Sister Wives, had to move from Utah primarily due to a legal investigation into bigamy that commenced shortly after their show premiered.
The Catalyzing Event: Legal Scrutiny
The immediate legal scrutiny the Brown family faced in Utah was the direct catalyst for their relocation. Their decision to publicly showcase their polygamous lifestyle on national television brought swift and severe consequences from local authorities.
On September 27, 2010, the day after Sister Wives debuted, police in Lehi, Utah, announced that they had opened an investigation into Kody Brown and his wives. The focus of this inquiry was possible charges of bigamy.
Understanding Bigamy in Utah
In Utah, bigamy is classified as a third-degree felony. This charge carries significant legal ramifications and the potential for substantial prison sentences. Specifically, Kody Brown faced a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison, while each of his wives could have been sentenced to up to five years.
The legal threat posed by the investigation highlighted several critical implications for the family:
- Immediate Legal Threat: The public nature of the investigation meant the family was under direct scrutiny, facing the imminent possibility of formal charges and arrest.
- Severe Penalties: The classification of bigamy as a felony and the associated lengthy prison terms presented a grave risk to the freedom and integrity of the entire family unit.
- Public Scrutiny: Remaining in Utah would have meant continued intense public and legal pressure, given their high-profile status from the television show.
The Decision to Relocate
Faced with such serious legal challenges and the prospect of severe penalties, the Brown family made the strategic decision to leave Utah. This move was a proactive measure aimed at escaping the immediate threat of prosecution under Utah's strict anti-bigamy laws.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Move
The urgency of their situation is clear when examining the timeline of events:
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 26, 2010 | Sister Wives debuts on national television | Publicly reveals the Brown family's polygamous lifestyle to a broad audience. |
| Sept 27, 2010 | Lehi, UT Police announce bigamy investigation | Direct legal action initiated, posing severe threats to the family's freedom. |
| Shortly thereafter | Brown family moves from Utah | A strategic relocation to avoid prosecution and seek legal sanctuary in a more permissive environment. |
The family subsequently relocated to Nevada, a state where, while bigamy is also technically illegal, the enforcement and societal attitudes towards plural marriage have historically been different, offering them a degree of legal and social respite from the intense pressure they faced in Utah.
