{"id":375069,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:59","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2024-11-14T14:48:06","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T19:48:06","slug":"new-jersey-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n New Jersey 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

All states have statutes of limitations. These are deadlines provided by state law that limit the time period a plaintiff or prosecutor has to bring a legal action.<\/p>\r\n

In New Jersey, the limitations period for civil cases can range from one to 20 years or more. Statutes in criminal cases depend on the type of crime. Serious felonies like murder have no time limit. Misdemeanors<\/a>, or disorderly persons offenses, have a one-year statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

The time of a statute of limitations helps ensure the smooth operations of the court and that cases get filed on time. A filing deadline protects a defendant’s right to a speedy trial for criminal cases<\/a>. The prosecutor must bring the case while evidence is available and witnesses’ memories are fresh.<\/p>\r\n

Civil lawsuits<\/a> prevent defendants from having potential lawsuits hanging over their heads for years after an incident. Plaintiffs must file personal injury lawsuits as soon as an injury happens or as soon as they know of a harm. In cases like medical malpractice, where an injury may take time to develop, the "discovery rule" allows plaintiffs to file their claims when they find the harm.<\/p>\r\n

New Jersey Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

New Jersey’s statutes of limitations for civil actions<\/a> include all tort actions<\/a> and real estate causes of action, including:<\/p>\r\n