{"id":373289,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2024-10-24T13:31:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-24T18:31:12","slug":"indiana-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Indiana 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 Susan Buckner, 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

State statutes of limitations set time periods for prosecutors and plaintiffs to file criminal charges and civil actions. Statutes of limitations<\/a> help protect a defendant\u2019s right to a speedy trial by requiring a prosecutor to file charges within a short period of time. They also ensure civil cases reach court on time while evidence is available and witnesses\u2019 memories are fresh.<\/p>\r\n

Indiana\u2019s statutes of limitations resemble those of most other states. Depending on the nature of the claim, Indiana code sections have a range of limitation periods for tort cases. Personal injury claims have a two-year statute of limitations. In other words, claimants must file a personal-injury lawsuit within two years of a car accident or other injury.<\/p>\r\n

Criminal statutes of limitation prevent prosecutors from filing charges after a certain amount of time. Murder and other violent felonies have no time limit. Most felonies have a five-year statute, and all misdemeanors have a two-year statute of limitations. A defendant can claim a charge is invalid if too many years have passed. You should consult a criminal defense attorney<\/a> before making this claim.<\/p>\r\n

Under Indiana law, a prosecution begins when a grand jury issues an indictment or when the prosecutor issues a valid warrant. If the defendant is unavailable, the statute is tolled. Tolling pauses the time limit until police find the defendant.<\/p>\r\n

Civil cases begin when a plaintiff knows a harm or injury occurred, such as an accident or contract violation. Sometimes, a plaintiff is unaware that an incident causes an illness or injury. For instance, a medical malpractice case may cause a wrongful death, but the family may not realize it until months or years later. The \u201cdiscovery rule\u201d extends the legal action deadline from the discovery date.<\/p>\r\n

Get Legal Advice from an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you have a civil or criminal case and are unsure if the statute of limitations is about to expire, you need legal advice from a criminal defense attorney<\/a> or a personal injury attorney<\/a>. Get legal advice from a lawyer in your area as soon as possible.<\/p>\r\n\n

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Learn About Indiana Statutes of Limitations<\/h2>\n \n
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