{"id":372241,"date":"2016-07-05T14:04:54","date_gmt":"2016-07-05T19:04:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/dc-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T22:22:11","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T03:22:11","slug":"dc-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/dc-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n District of Columbia Statutes of Limitations\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Like every state, the District of Columbia (D.C.) has statutes of limitations (SOL) that cover the time limits imposed on criminal and civil actions in the District’s courts. These laws ensure the timely prosecution of criminal and civil cases.<\/p>\r\n

Statute of Limitations Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Statutes of limitations are an essential part of our legal system. They give everyone a specific window of time (limitations period) within which to bring legal action. Without them, we can file lawsuits or prosecute others whenever we want to. This leaves defendants in a state of uncertainty about the outcome of their cases. Consider, for example, a person accused of criminal assault. Prosecutors must try the person within the statute of limitations or risk losing the case because the SOL expired.<\/p>\r\n

Statutes of limitations apply to local, state, and federal governments. They apply in civil and criminal cases. They give us a framework to pursue justice. Each statute of limitation should identify the following:<\/p>\r\n