{"id":377013,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:07","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-statutes-of-limitations.html"},"modified":"2025-04-16T10:33:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T15:33:55","slug":"virginia-statutes-of-limitations","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/virginia-law\/virginia-statutes-of-limitations.html","title":{"rendered":"Virginia Statutes of Limitations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Virginia Statutes of Limitations\n <\/h1>\n \n All states, including Virginia, place time limits for filing lawsuits or prosecuting crimes.\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

These time limits are statutes of limitations<\/a> and vary by the type of civil action or crime. For instance, the time limit to prosecute a defendant for felony cruelty to animals is five years, but only one year for agricultural animals.<\/p>\r\n

Civil statutes of limitations range from one to 20 years, with a two-year limit for personal injury claims<\/a>. It\u2019s crucial that you understand the statute of limitations and how it impacts your case.<\/p>\r\n

Below are links to relevant FindLaw articles. These should answer most questions about Virginia’s civil and criminal statutes of limitations.<\/p>\r\n

If you need more help, talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/a> (or personal injury attorney<\/a>) in Virginia. Your Virginia criminal defense attorney will ensure the prosecutor doesn\u2019t pursue charges beyond the statute of limitations time period.<\/p>\r\n

Disclaimer:<\/b> State laws change all the time. It\u2019s a good idea to speak with a Virginia attorney or conduct legal research to confirm the laws in your state.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

A Virginia Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\r\n

If you have questions about how the statute of limitations in your state may impact your case, consult an experienced Virginia attorney<\/a> today. They\u2019ll review your case and answer any questions you have. They\u2019ll also explain how the Virginia statute of limitations affects your personal injury case and what you must do to file it within the legal timeframe.<\/p>\r\n\n

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Learn About Virginia Statutes of Limitations<\/h2>\n \n
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