Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Every State (2026)
How long each state allows to file criminal charges for felonies and misdemeanors.
| State | Criminal statutes of limitations |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Except as otherwise provided by law, felonies must be charged within five years after the offense. Misdemeanors before a circuit or district court must be charged within 12 months. There is no time limit for any capital offense; any felony involving the use, attempted use or threat of violence to a person; any felony involving serious physical injury or death; any sex offense under Section 15-20A-5 involving a victim under 16; and any felony involving arson, forgery, counterfeiting or drug trafficking. Ala. Code §§ 15-3-1, 15-3-2, 15-3-5 |
| Alaska | There is no time limit for murder (including attempt, solicitation or conspiracy), felony sexual abuse of a minor, kidnapping, class A, B and unclassified sexual assault, and certain sex and human trafficking offenses, among others listed. Felonies under AS 11.41.120 - 11.41.330 and some other listed sections must be charged within 10 years. All other offenses must be charged within five years. Fraud and misconduct-in-office offenses can sometimes be charged within one year after discovery, but not more than three years past the normal limit. AS 12.10.010; AS 12.10.020 |
| Arizona | No time limit (prosecution may be commenced at any time) for homicide, conspiracy to commit homicide resulting in death, certain class 2 felonies in chapter 14 or 35.1 of title 13, violent sexual assault, violations of §§ 13-2308.01, 13-2308.03 and 13-3212, misuse of public monies, felonies involving falsification of public records, and attempts to commit these. Otherwise: class 2 through class 6 felonies, seven years; misdemeanors, one year; petty offenses, six months. The period starts when the state actually discovers the offense or should have discovered it with reasonable diligence, whichever first occurs. It does not run while the accused is absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertainable residence in the state, and for a serious offense it does not run while the perpetrator's identity is unknown. A.R.S. § 13-107 |
| Arkansas | No limit (prosecution may be commenced at any time) for capital murder, murder in the first and second degree, rape if the victim was a minor, felony sexual indecency with a child, capital rape, sexual assault in the first degree, sexual assault in the second degree if the victim was a minor, incest if the victim was a minor, engaging children in sexually explicit conduct for use in visual or print medium, transportation of minors for prohibited sexual conduct, employing or consenting to the use of a child in a sexual performance, producing, directing or promoting a sexual performance by a child, computer exploitation of a child in the first degree, and fertility treatment fraud. Otherwise: Class Y felony or Class A felony, six (6) years (for rape, the period is eliminated if biological evidence capable of producing a DNA profile is identified); Class B, C, D or unclassified felony, three (3) years; misdemeanor or violation, one (1) year. Ark. Code § 5-1-109(a)(1), (b) (as amended by Act 662 of 2025) |
| California | There is no time limit for crimes punishable by death or life in prison (or life without parole) and for embezzlement of public money; certain serious sex offenses also have no limit. Crimes punishable by 8 years or more in prison must be charged within 6 years; other crimes punishable by state prison (or county jail under Section 1170(h)) within 3 years; and misdemeanors generally within one year, with longer periods for some listed misdemeanors. Cal. Penal Code §§ 799, 800, 801, 802 |
| Colorado | No limit: murder, kidnapping, treason, any sex offense against a child (a felony unlawful sexual offense), and any forgery, and attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit them. Vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death: five years (ten years when both are charged from the same episode). Other felonies: three years. Misdemeanors: eighteen months. Class 1 and 2 misdemeanor traffic offenses: one year. Petty offenses: six months. The time limit is tolled while the offender is absent from Colorado (up to five years) and while a prosecution for the same conduct is pending; for certain offenses (such as UCC offenses and cybercrime) the period begins on discovery. Other statutes set different periods for specific offenses. C.R.S. § 16-5-401(1)(a), (a.5), (2), (3), (4.5) |
| Connecticut | No time limit for prosecuting capital felonies, Class A felonies, violations of §§ 53a-54d or 53a-169, and certain sexual offenses where the victim was a minor at the time of the offense. Twenty years for Class B felony violations of §§ 53a-70, 53a-70a or 53a-70b, Class C felony violations of §§ 53a-71 or 53a-72b, and Class D felony violations of § 53a-72a. For sexual abuse, exploitation or assault of a victim who was eighteen, nineteen or twenty: not later than thirty years after the victim turns twenty-one. Ten years for a Class A misdemeanor violation of § 53a-73a where the victim was twenty-one or older. Other offenses punishable by more than one year: five years after the offense. All other offenses: one year after the offense. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 54-193 |
| Delaware | No limit: prosecution for murder, any class A felony, or an attempt to commit either may be commenced at any time; also at any time for listed sexual offenses and crimes involving a minor victim under § 205(e). Other felonies: within 5 years after the offense. Class A misdemeanors: within 3 years. Class B or C misdemeanors, unclassified misdemeanors and violations: within 2 years. Extensions apply for fraud/breach of fiduciary duty (within 2 years of discovery, not more than 3 extra years), misconduct in office, and prosecutions based on forensic DNA testing (within 10 years). The period does not run while the accused is fleeing or hiding. 11 Del. C. § 205 |
| District of Columbia | May be commenced at any time: murder in the first or second degree, several sexual abuse offenses, and incest (§ 23-113(a)(1)). 15 years for offenses properly joinable with those crimes. 10 years for certain crimes including child sexual performance and child sex trafficking. Other felonies: 6 years after the offense. Any other criminal offense (misdemeanors): 3 years. For listed offenses against minors (e.g., enticing a child, using a minor in a sexual performance) the period does not begin until the victim reaches 21 years of age. 'No statute of limitations shall extend to any person fleeing from justice.' Extensions apply for official misconduct and fraud or breach of fiduciary trust (capped at 9 years for felonies and 6 years for misdemeanors). D.C. Code § 23-113 |
| Florida | A prosecution for a capital felony, a life felony, or a felony that resulted in a death may be commenced at any time. First degree felony: within 4 years after it is committed. Any other felony: within 3 years. First degree misdemeanor: within 2 years. Second degree misdemeanor or noncriminal violation: within 1 year. For certain sex offenses against a victim under 18, the period generally does not begin until the victim turns 18 or the offense is reported, whichever is first; sexual battery against a victim under 18 (offenses on or after July 1, 2020) and certain other sexual battery offenses may be prosecuted at any time; first- or second-degree sexual battery against a victim 16 or older may be prosecuted at any time if reported within 72 hours, otherwise within 8 years. Fla. Stat. § 775.15 |
| Georgia | Murder: 'may be commenced at any time.' Crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment: within seven years. Forcible rape: within 15 years. Other felonies: within four years; felonies against victims under 18 at the time: within seven years. Misdemeanors: 'within two years after the commission of the crime.' Armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery may be prosecuted at any time when DNA evidence establishes the accused's identity. For listed sex offenses and first-degree cruelty to children committed on or after July 1, 2012 against a victim under 16, 'a prosecution may be commenced at any time' (with exceptions for certain lesser child molestation and sexual battery provisions). O.C.G.A. §§ 17-3-1; 17-3-2.1(b) |
| Hawaii | May be commenced at any time: murder, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, sexual assault in the first and second degrees, sex trafficking, and continuous sexual assault of a minor under fourteen (§ 701-108(1)). Manslaughter (not caused by a motor vehicle): within ten years. Class A felony: within six years. Any other felony: within three years. Misdemeanor (or parking violation): within two years. Petty misdemeanor or non-parking violation: within one year. For certain felonies under chapter 707, parts V or VI, the period does not run during any time when the victim is alive and under eighteen years of age. Haw. Rev. Stat. § 701-108 |
| Idaho | There is no time limit for prosecuting murder; voluntary manslaughter; rape under § 18-6101(3) through (10); sexual abuse of a child, lewd conduct with a child or aggravated lewd conduct with a child; producing sexually exploitative material under § 18-1507(2)(b); or listed acts of terrorism. Other felonies must be charged within five (5) years after commission (offenses under §§ 18-1506A and 18-1506B: three years after initial disclosure by the victim to law enforcement). Misdemeanors must be charged within one (1) year after commission, with longer periods for some offenses (for example four years for failure to report child abuse). Idaho Code §§ 19-401, 19-402, 19-403 |
| Illinois | Unless the statute for the offense says otherwise or the period is extended, prosecution must begin within 3 years for a felony and within one year and 6 months for a misdemeanor. There is no time limit for first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, arson, treason, forgery, child sexual abuse material and any offense involving sexual conduct or sexual penetration, among others listed. Theft of property over $100,000, identity theft and financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability must be charged within 7 years of the last act. 720 ILCS 5/3-5 (as amended by P.A. 104-245, eff. 1-1-26) |
| Indiana | Murder, and Level 1 and Level 2 felonies, may be prosecuted at any time (§ 35-41-4-2(c), (d)). Other felonies (Levels 3 through 6) must be charged within five (5) years after the offense, and misdemeanors within two (2) years (§ 35-41-4-2(a)). Child molesting, vicarious sexual gratification, child solicitation, child seduction, sexual misconduct with a minor and incest must be charged before the alleged victim reaches thirty-one (31) years of age (§ 35-41-4-2(e)); other sex offenses against a child have a ten (10)-year period, or four (4) years after the child is no longer the accused's dependent, whichever is later (§ 35-41-4-2(m)). DNA evidence can extend the deadline for Level 3, 4 and 5 felonies to one (1) year after the state discovers, or could have discovered, the DNA evidence (§ 35-41-4-2(b)). The time does not run while the accused is not usually and publicly resident in Indiana or hides to avoid service, or conceals evidence of the offense (§ 35-41-4-2(h)). Ind. Code § 35-41-4-2 |
| Iowa | Murder in the first or second degree may be prosecuted at any time after the death of the victim. Sexual abuse in the first, second or third degree committed on or with a person under eighteen may be charged at any time; other first- to third-degree sexual abuse must be charged within ten years (or within three years after the suspect is identified by DNA profile, whichever is later). Except for these and other listed exceptions, an indictment or information for a felony or aggravated or serious misdemeanor must be found within three years after its commission. A simple misdemeanor or municipal or county ordinance violation must be prosecuted within one year. Iowa Code §§ 802.1, 802.2, 802.3, 802.4 (Iowa Code 2026) |
| Kansas | A prosecution may be commenced at any time for crimes including rape, aggravated criminal sodomy, murder, terrorism and illegal use of weapons of mass destruction, and for listed childhood sexual abuse offenses where the victim was under 18. A sexually violent offense must be prosecuted within 10 years (for a victim under 18, 10 years after the victim turns 18), or within one year after DNA testing conclusively establishes the suspect's identity, whichever is later. Otherwise a prosecution "shall be commenced within five years after it is committed," subject to tolling rules; tolling for certain offenses against minors cannot extend past the date the victim turns 28. K.S.A. 21-5107(a), (c), (d), (e) (last amended L. 2023, ch. 28, § 2) |
| Kentucky | Felonies: 'Except as otherwise expressly provided, the prosecution of a felony is not subject to a period of limitation and may be commenced at any time.' Offenses other than a felony (misdemeanors and violations): must be commenced within 1 year after the offense is committed. Misdemeanor sex offenses when the victim is a minor: within 10 years after the victim attains the age of 18. KRS 500.050 |
| Louisiana | No time limit: any crime for which the punishment may be death or life imprisonment; forcible or second degree rape (R.S. 14:42.1); and molestation of a juvenile or a person with a physical or mental disability (R.S. 14:81.2) (Art. 571). Otherwise prosecution must be instituted within: six years for a felony necessarily punishable by imprisonment at hard labor; four years for a felony not necessarily punishable by imprisonment at hard labor; two years for a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, or imprisonment, or both; six months for a misdemeanor punishable only by a fine or forfeiture (Art. 572(A)). Separate rules apply to certain offenses (Arts. 571.1, 571.2), and a sex-offense prosecution may begin within three years after the offender is identified through DNA or newly discovered photographic or video evidence (Art. 572(B)). La. C.Cr.P. arts. 571, 572 |
| Maine | No limit: murder or criminal homicide in the first or 2nd degree; and, if the victim had not attained the age of 18 at the time of the crime, incest, unlawful sexual contact, sexual abuse of a minor, rape or gross sexual assault (and, for crimes on or after September 1, 2026 or not already time-barred, aggravated sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of a minor with an under-18 victim) (§ 8(1)). Class A, B or C crimes: within 6 years after the crime is committed. Class D or E crimes: within 3 years (§ 8(2)). Class A, B or C crimes involving unlawful sexual contact or gross sexual assault, and Class A or B aggravated sex trafficking: within 20 years (§ 8(2-A)). The periods do not run while the accused is absent from Maine (extension not more than 5 years) or while a prosecution for the same conduct is pending (§ 8(3)). 17-A M.R.S. § 8 |
| Maryland | Misdemeanors: 'a prosecution for a misdemeanor shall be instituted within 1 year after the offense was committed,' unless another subsection applies (§ 5-106(a)). Longer periods apply to listed offenses — for example, 2 years for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, 3 years for many listed regulatory, tax, firearms and computer crimes, 5 years for sexual extortion and 10 years for stalking — and a misdemeanor punishable by confinement in the penitentiary may be prosecuted at any time (§ 5-106(b)). Section 5-106 does not set a general time limit for felonies. Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-106 |
| Massachusetts | Murder: an indictment may be found 'at any time after the death of the person alleged to have been murdered.' Listed sexual offenses (including G.L. c. 265, §§ 13B, 13B 1/2, 13B 3/4, 13F, 13L, 22A-22D, 23, 23A, 23B, 24B and § 50(b)) may be charged at any time, but a charge brought more than 27 years after the offense must be supported by independent corroborating evidence. Rape (c. 265, §§ 22, 24) and § 50(a): within 15 years. Certain other listed offenses (c. 265, §§ 13A(b)(iii), 13M, 17, 18, 19, 21; c. 272, § 17): within 10 years. Any other crime: 'within 6 years after such crime has been committed.' For listed offenses against a victim under 16, the period does not begin until the victim turns 16 or the offense is reported to law enforcement, whichever is earlier. Time when the defendant is not usually and publicly a resident of the Commonwealth is excluded. G.L. c. 277, § 63 |
| Michigan | No limit ('may be found and filed at any time'): murder, conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and certain offenses punishable by life imprisonment (listed chapter XXXIII, chapter LXVIIA and anti-terrorism violations) (§ 24(1)). Second- and third-degree criminal sexual conduct (MCL 750.520c, 750.520d): within 15 years or by the victim's 42nd birthday, whichever is later; child abuse, child sexually abusive material, fourth-degree CSC and assault with intent to commit CSC (MCL 750.136, 750.136a, 750.145c, 750.520e, 750.520g): within 10 years or by the victim's 21st birthday, whichever is later; if DNA of an unidentified person is found, these may be filed at any time, with a time limit running after identification (§ 24(3)-(5)). Kidnapping, extortion, assault with intent to commit murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, armed robbery and first-degree home invasion: 10 years (§ 24(6)). Human trafficking offenses listed in § 24(2): 25 years. Identity theft: 6 years. All other offenses: within 6 years (§ 24(10)). Time when the accused did not usually and publicly reside in Michigan is not counted (§ 24(11)). MCL 767.24 |
| Minnesota | No limit: charges for an offense resulting in the victim's death may be filed at any time after the death; also no limit for kidnapping (§ 609.25), sex trafficking of a victim under 18, and criminal sexual conduct offenses under §§ 609.342 to 609.345 and 609.3458. Arson (§ 609.561): within 10 years. Certain offenses (e.g., listed thefts over $35,000, identity theft with eight or more victims): 5 years; certain others 6 years. 'In all other cases' — felonies and misdemeanors alike — within three years after the offense. Time the defendant is not an inhabitant of or usually resident in Minnesota, time in pretrial diversion, and time while DNA evidence is being analyzed are excluded. Minn. Stat. § 628.26 |
| Mississippi | 'The passage of time shall never bar prosecution' for murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated domestic violence, kidnapping, arson, burglary, forgery, counterfeiting, robbery, larceny, rape, embezzlement, obtaining money or property under false pretenses or by fraud, felonious abuse or battery of a child, touching a child for lustful purposes, sexual battery of a child, exploitation of children, felonious abuse of vulnerable persons, listed human trafficking offenses, and certain other listed offenses (§ 99-1-5(1)(a)). Special limits: five years for felonious assistance-program fraud and for bribery, six years for larceny of timber; conspiracy has the same limit as the underlying offense. For any other offense not listed, prosecution must begin 'within two (2) years after the commission thereof' (§ 99-1-5(2)). Miss. Code Ann. § 99-1-5 |
| Missouri | No limit: murder, rape in the first degree, forcible rape, sodomy in the first degree, forcible sodomy, attempts to commit any of these, and any class A felony may be prosecuted at any time (§ 556.036.1); prosecutions for unlawful sexual offenses involving a person eighteen years of age or under may be commenced at any time (§ 556.037). Otherwise: felonies — three years; misdemeanors — one year; infractions — six months; five years for a class B felony under § 569.040 or offenses under §§ 569.050 or 569.055 (§ 556.036.2). Extensions apply for fraud or breach of fiduciary duty, misconduct in office, and certain child support claims (§ 556.036.3). RSMo §§ 556.036, 556.037 |
| Montana | No limit: deliberate homicide, mitigated deliberate homicide, and negligent homicide may be prosecuted at any time (§ 45-1-205(1)(a)); listed sexual offenses (including §§ 45-5-502, 45-5-503, 45-5-504, 45-5-507, 45-5-508 and others) may be prosecuted at any time if the victim was under 18 when the offense occurred (§ 45-1-205(1)(c)). Certain listed sexual offenses otherwise: within 10 years (§ 45-1-205(1)(b)). General limits: felonies — within 5 years after the offense; misdemeanors — within 1 year (§ 45-1-205(2)). Extensions apply for theft involving breach of fiduciary obligation, unlawful computer use, certain fish and wildlife and outfitter misdemeanors (3 years), and DNA identification (1 year after identification). MCA § 45-1-205 |
| Nebraska | No limit: 'There shall not be any time limitations for prosecution or punishment' for treason, murder, arson, forgery, first- or second-degree sexual assault, first-, second- or third-degree sexual assault of a child, incest, labor or sex trafficking of a minor, offenses under § 28-1805, and third-degree sexual assault when the victim is under 16 (§ 29-110(11)). Felonies generally: within three years after the offense (§ 29-110(1)). Misdemeanors and other lesser offenses: within one year and six months (one year for offenses punishable by a fine of up to $100 and up to three months' imprisonment) (§ 29-110(2)). Extended limits apply to certain offenses — e.g., 7 years for kidnapping, false imprisonment, child abuse and certain offenses against minors (measured from the offense or the victim's 16th or 18th birthday, whichever is later); 6 years for abuse of a vulnerable or senior adult; 5 years for identity theft and certain securities offenses. The limits do not extend to any person fleeing from justice. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-110 |
| Nevada | No limit: murder (and sexual assault arising from the same facts as a murder) may be prosecuted at any time (NRS 171.080); no limit for sexual assault where the accused is identified through DNA analysis (NRS 171.082) or where a written report is filed with law enforcement during the limitation period (NRS 171.083). Felonies: sexual assault — 20 years; sex trafficking — 6 years; theft, robbery, burglary, forgery, arson and certain fraud offenses — 4 years; all other felonies — 3 years (NRS 171.085). Gross misdemeanors — 2 years; other misdemeanors — 1 year (NRS 171.090). Child sexual abuse or child sex trafficking: before the victim turns 36 (or 43 if the victim did not and reasonably should not have discovered the abuse by 36) (NRS 171.095). NRS 171.080-171.095 |
| New Hampshire | Murder may be prosecuted at any time. Class A felony — 6 years; class B felony — 6 years; misdemeanor — one year; violation — 3 months. Offenses under RSA 632-A (sexual assault), or RSA 639:2 where the victim was under 18, may be prosecuted within 22 years of the victim's eighteenth birthday. Fraud or breach of fiduciary duty offenses may be prosecuted within one year of discovery (with other listed extensions). The period does not run while the accused is continuously absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work within the state, or while a prosecution for the same conduct is pending in the state. RSA 625:8 |
| New Jersey | No limit: prosecutions for offenses under N.J.S. 2C:11-3 (murder), 2C:11-4 (manslaughter) and 2C:14-2 (sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault), among others listed, may be commenced at any time (§ 2C:1-6(a)). Crimes generally: within five years after the offense is committed. Disorderly persons and petty disorderly persons offenses: within one year. The period does not run while a prosecution for the same conduct is pending in New Jersey, and the limitations do not apply to any person fleeing from justice. N.J.S. 2C:1-6 |
| New Mexico | No limitation period: a capital felony; a first degree violent felony; second degree murder; second degree criminal sexual contact of a minor (§ 30-9-13); and second degree criminal sexual penetration (§ 30-9-11) (§ 30-1-8(H)). Second degree felony — within six years from the time the crime was committed; third or fourth degree felony — within five years; misdemeanor — within two years; petty misdemeanor — within one year; any crime not contained in the Criminal Code or where a limitation is not otherwise provided for — within three years. For abandonment or abuse of a child and third or fourth degree CSP/CSCM offenses, the period does not start until the victim attains the age of eighteen or the violation is reported to law enforcement, whichever occurs first (§ 30-1-9.1). NMSA 1978, §§ 30-1-8, 30-1-9.1, 30-1-9.2 |
| New York | No limit: class A felonies and listed serious sex offenses (such as first-degree rape, aggravated sexual abuse, and first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child) may be commenced at any time. Second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act and certain second-degree incest: within twenty years, or ten years from the first report to police, whichever is earlier. Third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sexual act: ten years. Other felonies: within five years after the commission thereof. Misdemeanors: within two years. Petty offenses (violations): within one year. For certain sex offenses against a child under 18, the period shall not begin to run until the child has reached the age of twenty-three or the offense is reported, whichever is earlier. Time is excluded while the defendant is continuously outside New York or whereabouts are continuously unknown, but in no event shall the period of limitation be extended by more than five years. N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 30.10 |
| North Carolina | Misdemeanors: the crimes of deceit and malicious mischief, petit larceny where the value does not exceed five dollars, and all misdemeanors except malicious misdemeanors shall be charged within two years after the commission of the same (§ 15-1(a)). Misdemeanors under G.S. 7B-301(b), 14-27.33, 14-202.2, 14-318.2 and 14-318.6 shall be charged within 10 years of the commission of the crime (§ 15-1(b)). Felonies: the North Carolina Department of Justice states that 'there is no statute of limitations on felony crimes,' so felony charges may be brought at any time. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15-1 |
| North Dakota | There is no limitation of the time within which a prosecution for murder must be commenced. Other felonies: within three years after commission (for felony offenses under chapter 12.1-23 or 50-24.8, the later of three years of the last act, three years of discovery of the stolen property, or three years of discovery of the loss). Misdemeanors and infractions: within two years after commission (with a similar discovery rule for chapter 12.1-23 misdemeanors). Felony sexual offenses under chapter 12.1-20 and human trafficking: within seven years. Listed sexual offenses against a victim under eighteen: within twenty-one years after the offense or, if not reported within that period, within three years after it was reported to law enforcement; a DNA or fingerprint identification after the period expires allows prosecution within three years of identification. If a chapter 12.1-20 or human trafficking victim is under the age of fifteen, the period does not begin to run until the victim reaches fifteen. Time when the defendant is out of the state, or is not an inhabitant of or usually resident within the state, is not part of the limitation. N.D.C.C. §§ 29-04-01 through 29-04-04 |
| Ohio | No time limit for aggravated murder or murder (and conspiracy, attempt, or complicity to commit them). Otherwise: felony, six years; misdemeanor other than a minor misdemeanor, two years; minor misdemeanor, six months. Rape and sexual battery (and conspiracy, attempt, or complicity): twenty-five years; a DNA match allows prosecution within five years after the match in the circumstances the statute describes. Other listed serious offenses (including certain assault, kidnapping-related and sex offenses): twenty years. Fraud or breach of fiduciary duty: an additional one year after discovery once the normal period has expired. The period does not run while the corpus delicti remains undiscovered or while the accused purposely avoids prosecution (leaving the state or concealing identity or whereabouts is prima facie evidence of that purpose). For certain child abuse or neglect offenses, the period does not begin until the child reaches the age of majority or a qualifying agency or officer is notified. R.C. 2901.13 |
| Oklahoma | There is no limitation of the time within which a prosecution for murder must be commenced. First and second degree manslaughter: within ten (10) years after discovery (the date the crime is reported to law enforcement). General rule: in all other cases a prosecution for a public offense must be commenced within three (3) years after its commission. Longer periods include: bribery, embezzlement of public money, falsification of public records and conspiracy to defraud the state, seven (7) years after discovery; arson, and felonies committed or attempted with a deadly weapon, seven (7) years after commission; solicitation for first degree murder, seven (7) years after discovery; listed sexual crimes against children (including rape, sodomy, lewd acts, child pornography and child trafficking), by the forty-fifth birthday of the alleged victim, and for such crimes against victims eighteen (18) or older, within twenty (20) years after discovery (report to law enforcement); these may be commenced at any time if preserved DNA evidence later establishes probable cause as to identity, or if the accused has confessed or made an admission. Human trafficking: three (3) years after discovery. 22 O.S. §§ 151, 152 |
| Oregon | No time limit for aggravated murder, murder, attempted murder, conspiracy or solicitation to commit aggravated murder or murder, and any degree of manslaughter. Rape, sodomy, unlawful sexual penetration and sexual abuse in the first degree (felonies): within 20 years, or if the victim was under 18, before the victim turns 30, whichever is later. Listed felonies (including second- and third-degree rape and sodomy, incest, promoting prostitution, and arson): six years (for child victims, until the victim turns 30 or 12 years after the offense is reported, whichever occurs first). Listed misdemeanors (such as third-degree sexual abuse): four years. Otherwise: felonies, three years; misdemeanors, two years; violations, six months. A prosecution is commenced when a warrant or other process is issued and executed without unreasonable delay. The period does not run while the accused is not an inhabitant of or usually resident in Oregon, or hides within the state to avoid service, but tolling may not extend the period by more than three years. ORS 131.125, 131.135, 131.145, 131.155 |
| Pennsylvania | No time limit for murder and voluntary manslaughter; conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder if a murder results; felonies connected with first or second degree murder; certain fatal accident offenses by the driver; listed aggravated assaults on a known law enforcement officer; and listed major sexual and trafficking offenses (such as rape, statutory sexual assault and incest) where the victim was under 18. General rule: two years after the offense is committed. Major offenses (including aggravated assault, kidnapping, arson, burglary, robbery, forgery, bribery and perjury): five years. Major sexual offenses against adults (including rape, statutory sexual assault, sexual assault and incest): 12 years. Extensions include fraud or breach of fiduciary obligation (one year after discovery, extension not more than three years); offenses by public officers or employees (while in office or within five years after, extension not more than eight years); listed sexual offenses against minors (until the later of the limitation period after the minor turns 18 or the minor reaching 55 years of age); and DNA identification (within the period or one year after identification, whichever is later). The period does not run while the accused is continuously absent from Pennsylvania or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode or work in the Commonwealth, or while a prosecution for the same conduct is pending. 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5551, 5552, 5554 |
| Rhode Island | No statute of limitations for homicide, arson, burglary, counterfeiting, forgery, robbery, rape, listed sexual assault and child molestation offenses, bigamy, listed drug manufacturing and distribution offenses, and any offense punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment. Ten (10) years for listed offenses including felony larceny, receiving stolen goods, embezzlement, false pretenses, bribery, perjury, threats and extortion, racketeering, elder exploitation, bank fraud and residential mortgage fraud. Seven (7) years from when the facts become known to law enforcement for listed environmental violations. Any other criminal offense: three (3) years, unless a longer period is otherwise provided by law. Principals, accessories and conspirators are subject to the same period as the underlying offense. R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-12-17 |
| South Dakota | There is no limitation on the time within which a prosecution for a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony must be commenced. Otherwise, a prosecution for a public offense (and quasi-criminal or penal proceedings) shall be commenced within seven years after the commission of the offense or crime, except as provided in § 23A-42-3. For rape: no limitation for rape of a victim under thirteen or rape by force or threats (subdivisions (1) and (2) of § 22-22-1); other rape charges may be commenced before the victim turns twenty-five or within seven years of the offense, whichever is longer. SDCL 23A-42-1, 23A-42-2, 22-22-1 |
| Tennessee | A person may be prosecuted at any time for an offense punishable with death or by imprisonment in the penitentiary during life. Otherwise, prosecution for a felony must begin within 15 years for a Class A felony; 8 years for a Class B felony; 4 years for a Class C or Class D felony; and 2 years for a Class E felony. Prosecutions for misdemeanors must be commenced within 12 months after the offense was committed (with listed exceptions). Many child sexual abuse offenses have longer periods measured from the date the child turns 18 (for example, 25 years for listed offenses committed on or after the dates set in the statute), and some offenses against minors may be prosecuted at any time in specified circumstances. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 40-2-101(a), (b), (g)-(q); 40-2-102(a) |
| Texas | No limitation for murder and manslaughter and other listed offenses, including sexual assault in certain circumstances (such as when untested biological evidence was collected or DNA does not match the victim or another identified person), continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual, indecency with a child, leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, certain human trafficking and compelling prostitution offenses, and tampering with evidence involving a human corpse. Ten years from commission: offenses such as arson, forgery, sexual assault (unless no limitation applies), theft by a fiduciary or public servant, and first degree injury to an elderly or disabled individual. Seven years: offenses including Chapter 32 fraud, money laundering, health care fraud, and child pornography. Five years: offenses including theft, robbery, most kidnapping and burglary, insurance fraud, family violence assault, and aggravated assault. Certain offenses against children run 20 years or 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday. All other felonies: three years from the date of the commission of the offense. Misdemeanors: two years from the date of the commission of the offense (three years for misdemeanor family-violence assault). Tex. Code Crim. Proc. arts. 12.01, 12.02 |
| Utah | Prosecution may be commenced at any time for capital felonies, aggravated murder, murder, manslaughter, child abuse homicide, aiding or encouraging suicide, aggravated kidnapping, child kidnapping, rape, rape of a child, object rape, object rape of a child, forcible sodomy, sodomy on a child, sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated human trafficking, child human trafficking, female genital mutilation, aggravated human smuggling, and other listed offenses. Otherwise, a prosecution for a felony or negligent homicide shall be commenced within four years after it is committed; a misdemeanor other than negligent homicide within two years; and any infraction within one year. A felony of unlawful sexual activity with a minor or unlawful sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old has a limit of 10 years from the time the victim reaches the age of 18. Certain listed violent offenses may be prosecuted at any time if the perpetrator is unknown but DNA evidence is collected. The period does not run while the defendant is out of the state. Utah Code §§ 76-1-301, 76-1-301.1, 76-1-302, 76-1-304 |
| Vermont | Prosecution may be commenced at any time for aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, murder, manslaughter, arson causing death, and kidnapping. Forty years: listed sexual and related offenses against children and certain other offenses (such as lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, maiming, sexual exploitation of children, certain voyeurism, nonconsensual disclosure of sexually explicit images, and sexual extortion). Eleven years: arson and first degree aggravated domestic assault. Six years: offenses including lewd and lascivious conduct, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery offenses, false claims, and felony tax offenses. Three years: all other felonies and all misdemeanors. 13 V.S.A. § 4501 |
| Virginia | In Virginia, there is no statute of limitations for prosecuting felony crimes (Virginia State Crime Commission). Misdemeanors: prosecution must be commenced within one year next after there was cause therefor, with many exceptions, including petit larceny (5 years), nonfelonious malfeasance in office (2 years), and certain misdemeanors involving a minor victim (1 year after the victim reaches majority, or 5 years if the offender was an adult more than 3 years older than the victim). A prosecution for murder or manslaughter may proceed regardless of the time between the act causing death and the victim's death. Va. Code §§ 19.2-8, 19.2-8.1 |
| Washington | No limitation (may be prosecuted at any time): murder; homicide by abuse; arson, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault or hit-and-run injury accident if a death results; many rape, child rape, child molestation and sexual misconduct offenses involving minors; sexual exploitation of a minor; trafficking if the victim is under 18; and certain commercial sexual abuse of a minor offenses. 20 years: first- and second-degree rape (where not otherwise unlimited) and indecent liberties. 10 years: felonies by public officers in connection with their duties, arson without death, third-degree rape, attempted murder, trafficking under RCW 9A.40.100, and certain child depiction offenses. 6 years from commission or discovery, whichever is later: certain identity theft, financial fraud, theft by deception, theft from a vulnerable adult and listed tax offenses. 3 years: any other felony. Gross misdemeanors: 2 years after commission. Misdemeanors: 1 year after commission. Periods do not run while the accused is not usually and publicly resident within the state. RCW 9A.04.080 |
| West Virginia | Felonies: West Virginia has no generally applicable statute of limitation for the prosecution of a felony ('West Virginia has no statute of limitations affecting felony prosecutions,' State v. Carrico, 189 W.Va. 40, 43 (1993)), subject to some statutory exceptions, such as perjury, which must be prosecuted within three years next after the perjury was committed. Misdemeanors: prosecution must be commenced within one year after the offense was committed (with a proviso for lost or destroyed indictments). W. Va. Code § 61-11-9; State v. Carrico, 189 W.Va. 40 (1993), as quoted in State ex rel. State v. Young, No. 25-371 (W. Va. 2026) (Trump, J., dissenting) |
| Wisconsin | General rule: felonies must be prosecuted within 6 years after commission; misdemeanors (and adultery) within 3 years. No limitation (prosecution may be commenced at any time): first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree reckless homicide, felony murder, second-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault, first-degree sexual assault of a child, certain repeated sexual assault of the same child, and attempts at listed offenses. Other periods: second-degree reckless homicide, 15 years; second-degree sexual assault, 20 years; third-degree sexual assault and human trafficking, 10 years; many child sex offenses must be prosecuted before the victim reaches age 45 (others before age 26). DNA-match extensions apply, and time is excluded while the person is not publicly a resident of Wisconsin. Wis. Stat. § 939.74 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.