Criminal Statutes of Limitations in North Carolina
How long prosecutors in North Carolina have to file charges for felonies and misdemeanors, and which crimes have no time limit.
Short answer: Misdemeanors: the crimes of deceit and malicious mischief, petit larceny where the value does not exceed five dollars, and all misdemeanors except malicious misdemeanors shall be charged within two years after the commission of the same (§ 15-1(a)). N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15-1
| Criminal statutes of limitations | Misdemeanors: the crimes of deceit and malicious mischief, petit larceny where the value does not exceed five dollars, and all misdemeanors except malicious misdemeanors shall be charged within two years after the commission of the same (§ 15-1(a)). Misdemeanors under G.S. 7B-301(b), 14-27.33, 14-202.2, 14-318.2 and 14-318.6 shall be charged within 10 years of the commission of the crime (§ 15-1(b)). Felonies: the North Carolina Department of Justice states that 'there is no statute of limitations on felony crimes,' so felony charges may be brought at any time. Felony statement: N.C. Attorney General column (December 2019), https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-steins-column-protecting-north-carolinas-children-wherever-they-are/ Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15-1 |
|---|
More North Carolina criminal law
- Felony Theft Amount and Penalties in North Carolina
- Self-Defense Laws in North Carolina
- Bail, Pretrial Release and Public Defenders in North Carolina
- Assault Laws in North Carolina
- Battery Laws in North Carolina
- Domestic Violence Charges in North Carolina
- Shoplifting and Petty Theft in North Carolina
- Burglary and Robbery in North Carolina
- Vandalism Laws in North Carolina
- Trespassing Laws in North Carolina
- Drug Possession Laws in North Carolina
- Hit and Run Laws in North Carolina
- Reckless Driving in North Carolina
- Harassment and Stalking Laws in North Carolina
- Resisting Arrest in North Carolina
- Missing a Court Date in North Carolina
- Probation Violations in North Carolina
- Obstruction of Justice in North Carolina
- Perjury Laws in North Carolina
- Public Intoxication in North Carolina
- Disorderly Conduct in North Carolina
- Indecent Exposure in North Carolina
- Prostitution and Solicitation Laws in North Carolina
- Gambling Laws in North Carolina
- Embezzlement Laws in North Carolina
- Fraud and Identity Theft in North Carolina
- Forgery Laws in North Carolina
- Blackmail and Extortion Laws in North Carolina
- Murder Laws in North Carolina
- Manslaughter Laws in North Carolina
- Child Endangerment Laws in North Carolina
- Arson Laws in North Carolina
- Animal Cruelty Laws in North Carolina
- Revenge Porn Laws in North Carolina
- Cyberbullying Laws in North Carolina
- Money Laundering Laws in North Carolina
- Human Trafficking Laws in North Carolina
- Jaywalking Laws in North Carolina
- Open Container Law in North Carolina
- Underage Drinking and Fake ID Laws in North Carolina
- Driving on a Suspended License in North Carolina
- Driving Without a License in North Carolina
- Knife Laws in North Carolina
- Fireworks Laws in North Carolina
- Kidnapping Laws in North Carolina
- Criminal Threats Laws in North Carolina
- Car Theft Laws in North Carolina
- Receiving Stolen Property in North Carolina
- Organized Retail Theft in North Carolina
- Drug Trafficking Laws in North Carolina
- Prescription Fraud Laws in North Carolina
- Vehicular Assault Laws in North Carolina
- Street Racing Laws in North Carolina
- Boating Under the Influence in North Carolina
- Insurance Fraud Laws in North Carolina
- Welfare and Unemployment Fraud in North Carolina
- Bribery Laws in North Carolina
- State Tax Evasion in North Carolina
- Sexual Assault Laws in North Carolina
- Child Sexual Abuse Laws in North Carolina
- Child Sexual Abuse Material Laws in North Carolina
- Online Solicitation of a Minor in North Carolina
- Sex Offender Registration in North Carolina
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm in North Carolina
- Computer Crime Laws in North Carolina
- Recording Laws in North Carolina
- False Police Report Laws in North Carolina
- Hate Crime Laws in North Carolina
- Parole Violations in North Carolina
- Violating a Protective Order in North Carolina
- Juveniles Tried as Adults in North Carolina
- The Death Penalty in North Carolina
- Voting Rights After a Felony in North Carolina
- Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in North Carolina
- Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws in North Carolina
- Delta-8 and Hemp THC Laws in North Carolina
- Psilocybin Laws in North Carolina
- CBD Laws in North Carolina
- Tobacco and Vaping Laws in North Carolina
- Elder Abuse Laws in North Carolina
- Voyeurism Laws in North Carolina
- Assault on a Police Officer in North Carolina
- All North Carolina criminal law rules
FAQ
What is the statute of limitations for crimes in North Carolina?
Misdemeanors: the crimes of deceit and malicious mischief, petit larceny where the value does not exceed five dollars, and all misdemeanors except malicious misdemeanors shall be charged within two years after the commission of the same (§ 15-1(a)). Misdemeanors under G.S. 7B-301(b), 14-27.33, 14-202.2, 14-318.2 and 14-318.6 shall be charged within 10 years of the commission of the crime (§ 15-1(b)). Felonies: the North Carolina Department of Justice states that 'there is no statute of limitations on felony crimes,' so felony charges may be brought at any time.
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.