Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is the time period during which a person who is accused of committing a crime can be charged with having committed that crime. In the state of Michigan, this time limit is generally 6 years. This usually allows the Prosecuting Attorney to charge you with a crime for up to 6 years after the offense took place.

There are a few exceptions to this general Statute of Limitations:

NO STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

Murder, Solicitation to commit Murder, Criminal Sexual Conduct in the First degree, or a violation of Michigan's Anti-Terrorism Act all have no statute of limitations. This means that charges can be brought at any time (even many, many years later) for violating one of these laws. 

10 Years or Until the Victim is 21 year old

For certain crimes in Michigan law, charges may be brought within 10 years from the commission of the offense OR by the victim's 21st birthday, whichever comes later. Examples of crimes with a longer time limit are Child Pornography, Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th degrees, and Assault with the intent to commit Criminal Sexual Conduct. These cases are even more complex because if DNA evidence is found at the scene of the crime/offense and the person leaving the DNA is unknown or unidentifiable, then the state can file charges at any time after the offense is committed. After identifying a suspect, the state must then bring charges within 10 years or when the victim turns 21, whichever is later.

We have decades of experience with the time limits and the Statute of Limitations in Michigan. We are on the forefront of changes in the law and the impact of these changes on your case. Contact our trusted defense attorneys to schedule your free initial consultation meeting today!

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