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Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Maryland

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

Short answer: Misdemeanors: 'a prosecution for a misdemeanor shall be instituted within 1 year after the offense was committed,' unless another subsection applies (§ 5-106(a)). Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-106

Criminal statutes of limitationsMisdemeanors: '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.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 5-106

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FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in 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.

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.