{"id":374174,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:40","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-01-06T14:07:12","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T19:07:12","slug":"michigan-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/michigan-law\/michigan-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Michigan Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Michigan 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

Statutes of limitations are state laws that limit how long plaintiffs and prosecutors have to bring a case to court. The limitations periods vary depending on the nature of the case. Criminal statutes of limitation protect a defendant’s right to a speedy trial. Civil statutes of limitation ensure plaintiffs file claims while evidence is available and witness memories are fresh.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan statutes of limitation resemble those of most states. Civil statutes range from one to 20 years. A personal injury claim<\/a> has a two-year statute of limitations. Criminal cases may have no time limits for serious crimes like murder<\/a>, while misdemeanors have a standard six-year limitation period.<\/p>\r\n

Michigan Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Michigan Civil Statutes of Limitations<\/a> MCL \u00a7 600.5801 (et seq.)<\/p>\r\n

Civil statutes of limitation<\/a> set time periods for plaintiffs to file claims. The statute begins, or runs, from the time the harm happens. A plaintiff has to file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of an accident. Other types of cases include:<\/p>\r\n