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Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Iowa

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

Short answer: 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; Iowa Code §§ 802.1, 802.2, 802.3, 802.4 (Iowa Code 2026)

Criminal statutes of limitationsMurder 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.
Murder: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.1.pdf ; sexual abuse: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.2.pdf ; simple misdemeanor: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/802.4.pdf
Source: Iowa Code §§ 802.1, 802.2, 802.3, 802.4 (Iowa Code 2026)

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FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in 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.

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.