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Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Georgia

How long prosecutors in Georgia have to file charges for felonies and misdemeanors, and which crimes have no time limit.

Short answer: 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; O.C.G.A. §§ 17-3-1; 17-3-2.1(b)

Criminal statutes of limitationsMurder: '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).
§ 17-3-2.1: https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-17-criminal-procedure/ga-code-sect-17-3-2-1/. Read on codes.findlaw.com (a public copy of the official code); check against the official code.
Source: O.C.G.A. §§ 17-3-1; 17-3-2.1(b)

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FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in 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).

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.