Bigamy is the act of entering into a marriage with one person while still legally married to another, in cultures where monogamy is mandated. The second marriage is void and may be annulled, while there is no effect on the first marriage. A legal or de facto separation of the couple does not alter their marital status as married persons. One of the requirements of obtaining a marriage license is the dissolution or annulment of all previous marriages, and failure to do so can result in a bigamous marriage. Bigamy is a crime in most countries that recognize only monogamous marriages, and it is typically classified as the lowest level of a felony or the highest level of a misdemeanor. The penalties for bigamy vary by state, but they are often less severe than the penalties for a drunk driving conviction. Intentionally committing bigamy is a crime, as it almost always involves deception. In the United States, bigamy is a criminal offense in all 50 states, and polygamy is also typically practiced for cultural or religious reasons, whereas bigamy is not.