Criminal Statutes of Limitations in 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)).