{"id":376128,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-24T11:27:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-24T16:27:10","slug":"rhode-island-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rhode Island 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

Every state, including Rhode Island, has laws dictating how long the state has to file charges against a would-be defendant. These laws are statutes of limitations. The criminal statute of limitations<\/a> starts when the offender commits the crime. But the courts may pause the "clock" if the suspect tries to evade law enforcement or lives out of state.<\/p>\r\n

The Rhode Island General Laws<\/a> impose these time limits to help preserve the integrity of the criminal justice system. If the state had no deadline to file charges for a criminal offense, evidence, including witness testimony, would become stale and less reliable.<\/p>\r\n

Every crime has a statute of limitations, but the time limit depends on the severity of the crime (felony or misdemeanor<\/a>). Some crimes, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll explain how Rhode Island’s criminal statutes of limitations work and the filing deadlines for the most common offenses. We will also explain what happens if the state fails to pursue criminal charges<\/a> before the statute of limitations period expires. If you’re facing criminal charges, contact a criminal defense lawyer<\/a> right away.<\/p>\r\n

Rhode Island Criminal Statutes of Limitations at a Glance<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

As stated above, Rhode Island’s rules of criminal procedure<\/a> impose no statute of limitations for certain crimes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Code sections<\/th>\r\n

R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a712-12-17<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Felonies<\/th>\r\n

Besides to the crimes listed above, the following criminal offenses have no statute of limitations:<\/p>\r\n

Misdemeanors<\/th>\r\n

The state must file most misdemeanor charges within three years.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Crimes against children<\/th>\r\n

First- and second-degree child molestation, sexual assault: No time limit<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Acts during which statute does not run<\/th>\r\n

The suspect is trying to evade law enforcement<\/a> or living out of state<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Other<\/th>\r\n

Theft, loss, or destruction of indictment or information \u2014 Extends limitation period one year <\/b>(R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a7<\/a>12-12-18<\/a>)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Disclaimer: State laws are constantly changing through higher court decisions, new legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you should contact a <\/i>Rhode Island criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a> or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Contact a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney for Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer<\/a> if you’re facing criminal charges in Rhode Island. They’ll ensure that the state handles your case correctly and doesn’t try to charge you for crimes beyond the statute of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

Research the Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n