{"id":374098,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-03T13:26:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T18:26:05","slug":"michigan-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/h1>\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

The Michigan criminal statute of limitations defines the period of time that prosecutors have to file charges in criminal cases. The statute of limitations<\/a> ensures a defendant\u2019s right to a speedy trial. Prosecutors must file cases while evidence is available and witnesses\u2019 memories are fresh.<\/p>\r\n

In Michigan, expiration of the statute is an affirmative defense for criminal offenses. A defendant must claim the statute has run on their crime. If not, they run the risk of waiving it. Anyone who believes they have been arrested for a crime where the statute has run should contact a Michigan criminal law attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The Michigan statutes of limitations have no limits for serious felonies like murder and rape. Most felonies and misdemeanors have a six-year statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations: Time Limits<\/h2>\r\n

The amount of time a prosecutor has to file criminal charges varies by the type of offense.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Code Section<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Michigan Penal Code Sec. 767.24<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations for Felonies<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

No time limit<\/b>:<\/p>\r\n