Alabama Criminal Statute of Limitations
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 04, 2025
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Most crimes in the state of Alabama have an applicable statute of limitations. In the context of criminal law, the statute of limitations is a period of time in which the prosecutor must file criminal charges against a defendant. If a prosecutor does not file charges within the statute of limitations, the court can no longer hear the case.
Statutes of limitations laws vary between states. In Alabama, most misdemeanors have a 12-month limitation period, and most felonies have a five-year limitation period. But some types of crimes, such as murder and arson, do not have a statute of limitations.
The following table summarizes Alabama's criminal statute of limitations laws.
Code sections | Alabama Code §§ 15-3-1 to 15-3-8 |
---|---|
Felonies | Generally, felony offenses have a five-year statute of limitations period. (§ 15-3-1) But the following felonies have no statute of limitations (i.e., there is no time limit to file them):
An action about the conversion of state or county revenue has a six-year limitation period. (§ 15-3-3) |
Misdemeanors | All misdemeanors, unless otherwise stated, have a 12-month statute of limitations. (§ 15-3-2) An action for unlawfully taking or using another person's property temporarily must begin within 30 days of the offense. (§ 15-3-4) |
Acts during which statute does not run | If the prosecution stops with one indictment and later starts with another, the amount of time between indictments counts toward the last charged offense's limitations period. (§ 15-3-6) |
Other | For purposes of the statute of limitations, a prosecution begins when any of the following occurs (§ 15-3-7):
|
Note: State laws often change through the passage of new legislation, higher court rulings, and other means. Contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.
Related Resources
Browse the links below for more information about Alabama laws and criminal law:
- Alabama Law
- Alabama Criminal Laws
- Code of Alabama
- Alabama Statutes of Limitations
- Alabama Civil Statute of Limitations
- Criminal Procedure
- Forgery
- Human Trafficking and Slavery
- Wrongful Death
- DUI History and Overview
- What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
- Expungement Overview
Get a Handle on Your Criminal Case: Contact an Attorney
If law enforcement has charged you with a criminal offense, you should contact an Alabama criminal defense attorney. They can provide specific legal advice on your legal issue, including the following:
- Defense strategies for a car accident resulting from a DUI
- Potential legal penalties for a sexual abuse conviction
- Whether to enter into a plea bargain
Whether you have a criminal or civil case, an attorney can help. Also, the attorney-client relationship protects confidential information you share with your lawyer.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Alabama attorneys offer free consultations.
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