All states in the country, as well as the federal government, have time limits in place with which prosecutors must file charges against an individual who committed a crime. These time limits are called the statutes of limitation. If a prosecutor fails to file charges within the specified time limits, then it is likely that the defendant will have the charges dismissed. Here, we want to examine some of the various statutes of limitation for misdemeanor and felony charges in Arizona.
Criminal Statutes of Limitation Vary in Arizona
Arizona has laws that set time limits for how long prosecutors have to bring charges against an individual after a crime is committed. There are very general statutes of limitation in place, as well as more specific statutes. There are even crimes that do not have a statute of limitation in place at all.
Overall, the following statutes of limitation apply in this state (Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-107 (2020):
- Class 2 through Class 6 felonies – Seven years
- Misdemeanor offenses – One year
- Petty offenses – Six months
Crime-Specific Statutes of Limitation
As we go through this list of time limits associated with specific crimes, please understand that this is a partial list. We strongly encourage you to look at the actual law that was allegedly broken in order to understand the time limits that may apply for a case. Reach out to an attorney if you have any questions.
Murder, manslaughter, and homicide
These are considered serious offenses and the following timelines apply:
- Murder and manslaughter – No statute of limitations
- Negligent homicide – No statute of limitations
- Hit and run resulting in death – Seven years
- Vehicle accident caused by a moving violation that resulted in death – Two years
Sex Crimes
Offenses revolving around sex offenses are also considered serious, and the following timelines apply:
- Any violent sexual assault – No statute of limitations
- Class 2 felony sex offenses – No statute of limitations
- Class 2 sexual exploitation of a minor – No statute of limitations
- Child sex trafficking – Seven years
Fraud, burglary, or theft-related offenses
- Misuse of public monies – No statute of limitations
- Felony involving falsifying public records – No statute of limitations
- Felony theft ($1,000 or more) – Seven years
- Burglary – Seven years
- Fraudulent schemes – Seven years
- Misdemeanor theft (less than $1,000) – One year
In Arizona, the clock for the statute of limitations starts when the crime was committed or should have been discovered. Arizona law also allows for the suspension of the statute of limitations in certain circumstances. This includes if the defendant is not present in the state of Arizona or does not have a known residence within the state. Additionally, the clock will not start for serious offenses if the offender’s identity remains unknown.
Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you or somebody you love is facing criminal charges, or you think you could face criminal charges, reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A Chandler criminal defense lawyer will help you sort through the various aspects of your case. The prospect of facing criminal charges can be terrifying and confusing, but an attorney will help you understand the best options moving forward.