Criminal Statutes of Limitations in 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.