Arizona Statutes of Limitations
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 04, 2024
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Statutes of limitations define the time periods in which a plaintiff or the state must file a lawsuit or criminal charges. Failing to file a lawsuit or criminal cases within the time limit bans the court from adjudicating it.
The limitation period’s clock begins running when the claim accrues. In the civil context, accrual typically begins when the plaintiff’s legal claim arises. For example, suppose a person sustains an injury following a car accident. In that case, the statute of limitations typically begins running on the date of injury (or the day after). Other common dates of accrual include:
- The date the plaintiff discovers the harm (also known as the “discovery rule”)
- The date when the plaintiff should have discovered the harm if they had investigated it with reasonable diligence
Different states have different statutes of limitations for civil actions and crimes. Arizona has a three-year time limit for bringing fraud cases but a one-year statute of limitations for false imprisonment. Like most states, Arizona does not set a statute of limitations period to file criminal charges for serious offenses, such as:
- Violent sexual assaults
- Homicide
- Misuse of public money
The time you have to file a civil lawsuit (or that a prosecutor has to file criminal charges) varies depending on the cause of action (or crime). This article links Arizona’s civil and criminal statute of limitations laws.
Arizona Statutes of Limitations: Related Resources
Visit the links below for more information about Arizona law:
- Arizona Law
- Arizona Criminal Laws
- Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.)
- Arizona Accident and Injury Laws
- Arizona Consumer Laws
- Arizona Sexual Assault Laws
- Contract Law
- Details on State Civil Statute of Limitations Laws
- Details on State Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- False Imprisonment
- Product Liability Law Overview
- Sex Crimes
- What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
- What Is Professional Malpractice?
- Wrongful Death Overview
For more information about other states’ statute of limitations laws, visit FindLaw’s State Statute of Limitations Laws article.
Questions? Ask an Attorney
Knowing the applicable statute of limitations will help whether you have a civil case in Scottsdale or face criminal charges in Phoenix. Contact a civil litigation attorney if you have a legal action. If you face criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney in Arizona. Hiring experienced legal counsel who specializes in your legal issue, such as a personal injury lawyer, can make a significant difference in your case. Contact one today to get started.