{"id":375634,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-23T13:48:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:48:07","slug":"ohio-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, 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 time limits for filing civil lawsuits, state prosecutors must file criminal charges within the amount of time set in the criminal statute of limitations<\/a>. The clock starts running the moment the defendant commits the crime. The criminal courts may pause the clock if the suspect tries to evade law enforcement or lives out of state.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio\u2019s criminal statutes of limitation<\/a> help preserve the integrity of evidence and maintain greater efficiency in the criminal justice system. Heinous crimes, such as murder and arson, have no statute of limitations. Most other felonies and misdemeanors have filing deadlines of between two and 25 years.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we\u2019ll discuss the statutes of limitations for criminal cases in Ohio. We’ll briefly explain what happens if the state doesn\u2019t pursue charges for a criminal offense before the statute of limitations<\/a> period expires.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re facing criminal charges, hire a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> immediately.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Ohio law doesn\u2019t impose a statute of limitations for murder<\/a> or aggravated murder. The state can charge an offender with these crimes regardless of how much time has passed. The rationale behind this is that some crimes are so severe that it doesn\u2019t matter what period of time passes \u2014 the state still has an interest in convicting the alleged defendant.<\/p>\r\n

The statute of limitations period for misdemeanors<\/a> is usually two years. If the prosecutor cannot identify an offender and gather evidence within this time, they\u2019ll move on. Spending more time and resources on a simple misdemeanor doesn’t make sense.<\/p>\r\n

Below are more details of Ohio’s time limits for criminal charges. To learn about similar time limits in civil law, see Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ohio revised code section<\/th>\r\n

\u00a72901.13<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Felonies<\/th>\r\n

Most felonies have a six-year statute of limitations period. Below are the specific time limits for most major crimes.<\/p>\r\n

None<\/b><\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  • Murder<\/li>\r\n
  • Aggravated murder<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    25 years<\/b><\/p>\r\n

      \r\n
    • Rape<\/li>\r\n
    • Sexual battery<\/li>\r\n
    • Conspiracy\/attempt to commit any of these offenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

      20 years<\/b><\/p>\r\n

        \r\n
      • Voluntary manslaughter<\/li>\r\n
      • Involuntary manslaughter<\/li>\r\n
      • Kidnapping<\/li>\r\n
      • Human trafficking<\/li>\r\n
      • Gross sexual imposition<\/li>\r\n
      • Prostitution<\/li>\r\n
      • Aggravated arson<\/li>\r\n
      • Money laundering<\/li>\r\n
      • Terrorism and terroristic threats<\/li>\r\n
      • Robbery\/burglary<\/li>\r\n
      • Aggravated robbery\/aggravated burglary<\/li>\r\n
      • Aggravated riot<\/li>\r\n
      • Felonious assault\/aggravated assault of a peace officer<\/li>\r\n
      • Conspiracy or attempt to commit any of these offenses<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Misdemeanors<\/th>\r\n

The statute of limitations for most misdemeanors is two years.<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n

  • Minor misdemeanor: six months<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

When the victim is a minor<\/th>\r\nUnlawful sexual conduct with a minor: 20 years<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Acts during which statute does not run<\/th>\r\n
    \r\n
  • Law enforcement has not made a discovery of the offense due to the defendant\u2019s evasion or concealment of their identity.<\/li>\r\n
  • The prosecutor has not located the \u201cbody of the crime.\u201d<\/li>\r\n
  • There is an ongoing prosecution against the defendant for another crime in Ohio.<\/li>\r\n
  • For abuse or neglect of a child under 18 years of age or of someone under 21 with a disability, the period of limitations runs once the victim reaches the age of majority or a public children\u2019s services agency has learned of the abuse.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Other<\/th>\r\n

If the period of limitation expires, the state must begin prosecution within one year for crimes involving fraud or breach of fiduciary duty. The state has two years to prosecute crimes involving misconduct by a public servant. Prosecution for a crime involving identity fraud must begin within five years.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are constantly changing. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you should contact an <\/i>Ohio criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a> or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Contact an Ohio Criminal Defense Lawyer for More Information<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

If you\u2019re facing criminal charges in Ohio, contact a criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. Not only will they ensure the state follows the correct procedures, but they\u2019ll also work hard to build a solid defense on your behalf.<\/p>\r\n

Related FindLaw Resources on Ohio\u2019s Criminal Statutes of Limitations<\/b><\/h2>\r\n