{"id":375709,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-02-24T12:08:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T17:08:14","slug":"ohio-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Ohio 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 Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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 dictate the time period within which a plaintiff or prosecutor must file civil or criminal charges. Every state has different statutes of limitations<\/a> for civil and criminal cases, and Ohio is no different.<\/p>\r\n

State law requires judges to enforce these limitations in criminal and civil cases<\/a>. If a plaintiff fails to file their civil lawsuit before the civil statute of limitations expires, the judge will dismiss their case. They’ll lose their chance to collect damages. Also, if the state prosecutor fails to file criminal charges<\/a> before the criminal statute of limitations period expires, they can’t pursue a defendant.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we will explain how the statutes of limitations work in the State of Ohio. We’ll give links to helpful resources on this topic and related topics. If you have more questions about these filing deadlines, consult an Ohio personal injury attorney<\/a> or a criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Why Do Ohio Courts Enforce Statutes of Limitations?<\/h2>\r\n

Lawmakers have created laws and procedures that promote fairness and efficiency in the courts. If the filing deadlines weren’t in place, the courts would become clogged with old cases. They’d have to rely on stale and missing evidence<\/a> to determine guilt and liability.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re suing for breach of contract or some other personal injury claim<\/a>, you must do so before the statute of limitations period expires. FindLaw has published articles explaining how these laws work. These articles also outline the specific filing deadlines for different types of legal action.<\/p>\r\n

What Happens if You Miss the Filing Deadline in Your Cause of Action?<\/h2>\r\n

If you miss the filing deadline in your civil case, one of two things will happen. Either the judge will dismiss your claim outright, or the defendant will file a motion to dismiss<\/a>. Once the judge confirms that the statute of limitations has expired, they must dismiss your complaint.<\/p>\r\n

It works similarly in criminal cases<\/a>. If the prosecutor doesn’t file charges and pursue charges against a defendant before the filing deadline expires, the state must also dismiss the criminal charges. The state can’t file new charges against the defendant later.<\/p>\r\n

Consult an Ohio Attorney for More Information<\/h2>\r\n

If you still have questions about Ohio’s statute of limitations, click the links below. You can also contact an attorney in your area<\/a> and schedule an initial consultation.<\/p>\r\n

Seeking legal advice is usually the first step toward protecting your legal rights. This is true if you’re seeking damages in a personal injury case. Or if you’re facing criminal charges for identity fraud, aggravated assault, or sexual battery. Not only will a local attorney<\/a> answer your questions, but they’ll also help you build a solid case.<\/p>\r\n\n

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Learn About Ohio Statute of Limitations<\/h2>\n \n
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