{"id":376172,"date":"2017-11-09T16:36:11","date_gmt":"2017-11-09T21:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-05-27T12:23:41","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T17:23:41","slug":"rhode-island-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/rhode-island-law\/rhode-island-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Rhode Island Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Rhode Island 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 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 has laws that impose time limits for filing both criminal charges and civil lawsuits. These are referred to these laws as statutes of limitation. Lawmakers enforce these laws to promote a relatively efficient legal system and to ensure that factfinders make decisions based on reliable evidence.<\/p>\r\n

As time goes by, evidence becomes stale, as does eyewitness testimony. By requiring prosecutors and would-be plaintiffs to file their legal actions in a timely fashion, the law increases the chances of a fair and equitable justice system.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines Rhode Island\u2019s criminal and civil statutes of limitations. It provides links to helpful articles on these and related topics. If you still have questions about your criminal or civil case, contact a skilled Rhode Island personal injury attorney<\/a> or criminal defense lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Learn About Rhode Island Statutes of Limitations<\/h2>\r\n