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Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Missouri

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

Short answer: No limit: murder, rape in the first degree, forcible rape, sodomy in the first degree, forcible sodomy, attempts to commit any of these, and any class A felony may be prosecuted at any time (§ 556.036.1); RSMo §§ 556.036, 556.037

Criminal statutes of limitationsNo limit: murder, rape in the first degree, forcible rape, sodomy in the first degree, forcible sodomy, attempts to commit any of these, and any class A felony may be prosecuted at any time (§ 556.036.1); prosecutions for unlawful sexual offenses involving a person eighteen years of age or under may be commenced at any time (§ 556.037). Otherwise: felonies — three years; misdemeanors — one year; infractions — six months; five years for a class B felony under § 569.040 or offenses under §§ 569.050 or 569.055 (§ 556.036.2). Extensions apply for fraud or breach of fiduciary duty, misconduct in office, and certain child support claims (§ 556.036.3).
Minor victims: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=556.037
Source: RSMo §§ 556.036, 556.037

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FAQ

What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Missouri?
No limit: murder, rape in the first degree, forcible rape, sodomy in the first degree, forcible sodomy, attempts to commit any of these, and any class A felony may be prosecuted at any time (§ 556.036.1); prosecutions for unlawful sexual offenses involving a person eighteen years of age or under may be commenced at any time (§ 556.037). Otherwise: felonies — three years; misdemeanors — one year; infractions — six months; five years for a class B felony under § 569.040 or offenses under §§ 569.050 or 569.055 (§ 556.036.2). Extensions apply for fraud or breach of fiduciary duty, misconduct in office, and certain child support claims (§ 556.036.3).

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.