GET HELP 24/7:
CALL 800.656.HOPE (4673) | LIVE CHAT Donate

State by State Guide on Statutes of Limitations

Want to learn more about statutes of limitations? Check out RAINN’s guides:

 

When a crime is committed, there is a window of time that a state has to charge the perpetrator. The laws that determine this time frame are called criminal statutes of limitations—and they vary by state and situation. RAINN’s statutes of limitations tool provides a visual representation of where states fall on key aspects of these laws. What follows is a more in-depth look at how and why these states have been categorized in the tool.

There are many ways to evaluate these statutes of limitations. RAINN’s tool considers the following four questions:

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Crimes are usually classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Felonies are regarded as more serious than misdemeanors, and often involve violence. If convicted of a felony crime, an offender will typically face imprisonment of more than a year in addition to financial penalties. Murder, rape, and burglary are examples of felonies, whereas crimes like shoplifting, drunk driving, and assault may be misdemeanors. Almost all sex crimes are felonies, and the focus of RAINN’s statutes of limitations tool.
  • Does a victim’s decision to report or not to report reduce the state’s statute of limitations for sex crimes? Some states require that a victim report the crime to law enforcement for the statute of limitations “clock” to start running. In these states, when a victim chooses not to report within a specified time frame, the state will shorten or restrict the crime’s statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Most states have exceptions to sex crime statutes of limitations, which pause or extend the time prosecutors have to charge a defendant. One such exception is when DNA evidence of the crime exists: a majority of states allow for statute of limitations to pause or extend when DNA evidence is available.
  • What are the state's statutes of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? Certain felonies are considered more serious than others. For example, murder in the first degree and murder in the third degree are both felonies, but the first degree carries higher penalties. RAINN’s tool indicates the statute of limitations for each state’s most serious felony sex crime, usually sexual assault or rape in the first degree.

 

Alabama

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Alabama has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Alabama.

Alaska

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Alaska has eliminated its statute of limitations for a large portion of its felonies, but does still have a statute of limitations for Class C felonies, including sexual assault in the 3rd degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Alaska.

Arizona

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. While Arizona has eliminated its statute of limitations for many felonies, some statute of limitations remain. Example: felony sexual abuse has a statute of limitations.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Arizona.

Arkansas

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Arkansas maintains a statute of limitations for many felony sex offenses, for example: adult victims of sexual assault in the second degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If DNA evidence leads to the identification of an offender, then there is no statute of limitations. DNA evidence for an unknown ID can also lead to “John Doe” prosecutions.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Arkansas.

California

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. California recently abolished its statutes of limitations for almost all felony level sex offenses. However, California is still categorized as a "no" because certain felony sex offenses still have a statute of limitations attached to them. For instance, rape under the circumstances of the California Penal Code 261(a)(5) still carries a statute of limitations.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. For a majority of California sex crimes, the statute of limitations is extended one year after DNA identifies a suspect.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in California.

Colorado

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Colorado has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? Yes. For the DNA exception to apply, the victim must have reported the crime to law enforcement within 10 years of its occurrence (even if DNA evidence of a suspect is recovered).
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. For certain crimes, if the victim reports within 10 years and the defendant is identified, then there is no statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Colorado.

Connecticut

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Connecticut has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? Yes. For the DNA exception to apply, the victim must have reported the crime to law enforcement within five years of its occurrence (even if DNA evidence of a suspect is recovered). Further, a higher statute of limitations for certain child victims which is applicable in select circumstances does not apply if the victim does not report within five years.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. For certain crimes, if the victim reports within five years and the defendant is identified, then there is no statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Connecticut.

District of Columbia

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. DC has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in the District of Columbia.

Delaware

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Delaware has a statute of limitations for some of its lesser felony sex crimes.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. For certain crimes that normally have a five year statute of limitations, the statute of limitations becomes 10 years if prosecution is based on DNA evidence.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Delaware.

Florida

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Florida has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. If the victim is under 16 and reports within 72 hours of the crime, there is no statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If certain sex offenses occurred after 2006 and if DNA evidence identifies a suspect, then there is no statute of limitations. For this to apply, the DNA evidence must have been collected at the time of the original investigation, and enough DNA material must exist such that the defendant can conduct tests of their own.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Florida.

Georgia

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Georgia has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime, forcible rape.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. I f the victim is over 65, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the victim reports.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. For certain offenses, there is no statute of limitations if perpetrator is identified. This only applies if enough DNA evidence exists so that the defense can conduct tests of their own.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Georgia.

Hawaii

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Hawaii has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If a perpetrator DNA match is found within the time constraints of the crime's existing statute of limitations, then 10 years is added to the statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Hawaii.

Idaho

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Idaho has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual abuse of a vulnerable person.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Idaho.

Illinois

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Illinois has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? Yes. For certain sex crimes, a 10 year statute of limitations only applies if the victim reports the crime to law enforcement within three years after its occurrence. Otherwise, the statute of limitations is three years.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If the victim reports within three years of the crime, and the perpetrator's DNA evidence is entered into the database within 10 years of the crime, and that DNA evidence does not identify the perpetrator, then there is no statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Illinois.

Indiana

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Indiana has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example rape in the 3rd level.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. The statute of limitations is extended to one year after state first discovers DNA evidence sufficient to charge the perpetrator.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Indiana.

Iowa

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Iowa has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. After DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator, the statute of limitations is increased to within 3 years of the identification.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Iowa.

Kansas

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Kansas as a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example indecent liberties with a child.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. The statute of limitations for any sexually violent offense is extended to one year after the perpetrator is identified by DNA evidence.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Kansas.

Kentucky

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. Kentucky has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Kentucky.

Louisiana

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Louisiana has a statute of limitations for some of its felony crimes, for example rape in the third degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. The statute of limitations is increased by three years after DNA evidence identifies the perpetrator.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Louisiana.

Maine

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Maine as a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example gross sexual assault.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Maine.

Maryland

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. Maryland has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Maryland.

Massachusetts

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Massachusetts as a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Massachusetts.

Michigan

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Michigan has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example criminal sexual conduct in the 2nd degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If DNA evidence exists without identifying the perpetrator, there is no statute of limitations. Once an identification is confirmed, there is a statute of limitations of 10 years from that point.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 year or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Michigan.

Minnesota

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Minnesota as a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. While Minnesota's reporting requirement (really a clause, as reporting isn't mandatory) does not punish the victim for not reporting, but rather increases the statute of limitations if they do report.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. There is no statute of limitations while DNA evidence is being collected and preserved.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Minnesota.

Mississippi

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Mississippi has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual battery.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Mississippi.

Missouri

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Missouri has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes, including sexual abuse in the first degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Missouri.

Montana

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Montana has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. I f a suspect is identified through DNA evidence after the statute of limitations has run, prosecutors have an additional year to file charges.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Montana.

Nebraska

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Nebraska has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual assault in the third degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Nebraska.

Nevada

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Nevada has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime if the victim does not report, and no statute of limitations if the victim does report. Because this requires action on the part of the victim in order to benefit from an unlimited statute of limitations, Nevada is categorized as a "no."
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. If the victim reports within the standard statute of limitations, then the statute of limitations is increased from four years or more.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Nevada.

New Hampshire

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. New Hampshire has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in New Hampshire.

New Jersey

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. New Jersey has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example criminal sexual conduct.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If DNA evidence leads to identifying a suspect, then the statute of limitations will begin when the state has in possession the evidence which led to the initial identification of the suspect.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 year or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in New Jersey.

New Mexico

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. New Mexico has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example criminal sexual penetration in the second degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If there is DNA evidence but no suspect identification, the statute of limitations does not run until suspect is identified. This only applies to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degree criminal sexual penetration.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in New Mexico.

New York

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. New York has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example rape in the second degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. New York has a DNA exception, as established through case law. See, e.g.: People v Harrison, People v Brown, People v Ramos, People v Bradberry, People v Sigl, and People v Burroughs.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in New York.

North Carolina

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. North Carolina has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in North Carolina.

North Dakota

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. North Dakota has a statute of limitations for some of its most punishable felony sex crimes (gross sexual imposition).
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. If a child victim does not report within the seven year statute of limitations, but later decides to report, then the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of the report.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If a suspect is identified through DNA, then the statute of limitations extends for three years after identification.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in North Dakota.

Ohio

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Ohio has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime, rape.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If there is a John Doe indictment based on DNA evidence, this adds time to the statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Ohio.

Oklahoma

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Oklahoma has a statute of limitations for one of its most serious felony sex crimes, rape in the first degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. For certain crimes, if the victim reports the crime within 12 years and there is a DNA match, there is no statute of limitations. If the victim does not report the crime, the standard 12 year statute of limitations applies.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If the crime is reported within 12 years and there is a DNA match, then there is no statute of limitations. If the crime was not reported within 12 years and there is a DNA match, an additional three years is added to statute of limitations.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Oklahoma.

Oregon

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Oregon has a statute of limitations for one of its most serious felony sex crimes, rape in the first degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. If DNA evidence identifies a suspect after the statute of limitations has expired, then the statute of limitations can change. For third degree felonies, two years can be added from the date the DNA was discovered. For second degree felonies, the statute of limitations becomes 25 years from the date the crime was committed. For first degree felonies, the statute of limitations is eliminated.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Oregon.

Pennsylvania

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Pennsylvania has a statute of limitations for one of its most serious felony sex crimes, rape in the first degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. The statute of limitations is extended to one year after DNA establishes identity of perpetrator.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Rhode Island has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual assault in the second degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Rhode Island.

South Carolina

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. South Carolina has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in South Carolina.

South Dakota

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. South Dakota has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual assault in the third degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in South Dakota.

Tennessee

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Tennessee has a statute of limitations for one of its most serious felony sex crimes, aggravated rape.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. If the victim reports within three years of the crime occurring, then there is no statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 11-20 years.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Tennessee.

Texas

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Texas has a statute of limitations for one of its most serious felony sex crimes, aggravated sexual assault.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. There is no statute of limitations if DNA identifies an unknown suspect.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Texas.

Utah

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Utah has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example forcible sexual abuse.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? Yes. For certain sex crimes, an eight year statute of limitations only applies if the victim reports the crime to law enforcement within 4 years after its occurrence. Otherwise, the statute of limitations is four years.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. There is no statute of limitations if DNA identifies an unknown suspect.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Utah.

Vermont

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Vermont has a statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crime, sexual assault.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Vermont.

Virginia

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. Virginia has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Virginia.

Washington

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Washington has a statute of limitations for its most punishable felony sex crime, rape in the 1st degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? Yes. For certain sex crimes, the 10 year statute of limitations only applies if the victim reports within one year of the crime occurring. If the victim does not report, the statute of limitations is reduced to three years.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. The statute of limitations extends 1 year after DNA establishes the perpetrator's identity.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 10 years or less.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Washington.

West Virginia

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. West Virginia has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in West Virginia.

Wisconsin

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? No. Wisconsin has a statute of limitations for some of its felony sex crimes, for example sexual assault in the second degree.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? Yes. In certain circumstances, if the state collects and analyzes DNA evidence the statute of limitations is increased for a short period of time.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Wisconsin.

Wyoming

  • Has this state eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes? Yes. Wyoming has no statute of limitations for any felony sex crime.
  • Does this state reduce a statute of limitations if a victim chooses not report? No. A victim's choice to report or not report does not affect the statute of limitations.
  • Does this state have exceptions to statutes of limitations for DNA evidence? No. No exception is needed, as the state has eliminated the statute of limitations for all felony sex crimes.
  • What is the state's statute of limitations for its most serious felony sex crimes? 21 years or more.

Learn more about criminal statutes of limitations in Wyoming.

Truly elevating, truly healing. No words to express my gratitude—you made it all such a pleasant experience. I celebrate you and thank you. Brad, survivor

We’re here when you need us.

Get Help

More than 87 cents of every $1 goes to helping survivors and preventing sexual violence.

Donate Now

Find help and the resources you need. Call 800.656.4673