Criminal Statute of Limitations are a set of laws that regulate the amount of time state prosecutors have to file criminal charges against a suspected criminal. Each state has such regulations, including our own. Continue reading to learn more about the statutes of limitations for criminal charges in Indiana, and who to call for trusted legal counsel.
In Indiana, there are different time limits for different crimes. Such time limits vary depending on the severity of the crime. More serious crimes will have shorter time restraints, while less serious crimes will have longer ones.
Felonies – 5 Year Statute of Limitations
Misdemeanors – 2 Year Statute of Limitations
Murder Charges – No Limit
Visit www.codes.findlaw.com to review some examples of both felonies and misdemeanors, and their set statute of limitations.
Purpose of Statute of Limitations
Our judicial system incorporates criminal statute of limitations for many good reasons. Most importantly, they ensure that all criminal trials are based on the best available evidence possible, such as testimonial evidence (police statements, eyewitness statements, etc.), physical evidence (fingerprints, DNA, etc.), and more. These kinds of evidence can be lost quickly, making it important to take action fast in terms of a criminal trial. They maintain a fair balance between fair trials and the severity of an offense.
Evading Criminal Statute of Limitations
If you are “on the lam” from the law, time is not on your side, even if you try to out smart the criminal statutes of limitations. There is simply no possible way to avoid criminal charges brought against you by the state. You see, the judicial system will pause criminal statute of limitations if a suspect leaves the state or goes into hiding. This is sometimes referred to as “toll the statutory clock.” Once the suspect comes back, the clock starts again.