Arkansas Statutes of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit in which a plaintiff or prosecutor must file a civil case or criminal charges, respectively. The civil statute of limitations discourages plaintiffs from indefinitely threatening legal action against a person. Civil and criminal statutes of limitations help ensure a fair trial and preserve the evidence’s integrity.

In Arkansas, murder and several other serious crimes don’t have time limits. Also, under certain circumstances, the limitations period "tolls" or stops running. For example, suppose a person leaves the state to avoid prosecution. In that case, the statute of limitations may extend for several years beyond the date it would have otherwise expired.

This article offers links to articles that cover the civil and criminal statute of limitations laws in depth. It also discusses general information about Arkansas law on the periods of time plaintiffs and the state have to file civil cases and criminal charges, respectively. It concludes with a list of related resources.

Statutes of Limitations Explained

State legislatures create their state’s statute of limitations. So, the statute of limitations for a specific civil or criminal case in one state may differ from another state.

The statute of limitations requires plaintiffs and the state to file their cases within a certain time limit. In doing so, these laws promote judicial efficiency. They also prevent prejudice against a defendant by ensuring the filing party files the case while the evidence is still relatively fresh. Filing a lawsuit close to the date of the offense ensures witnesses’ memories and other evidence do not deteriorate over time.

Failing to file a case within the statute of limitations bars the plaintiff or prosecution from filing their case. A court must always consider jurisdictional arguments. A court does not have jurisdiction over a case filed after the limitations period has expired. So, the court will dismiss a case filed after the limitations period, regardless of the case’s merits.

Arkansas Statutes of Limitations: Related Resources

For more information about Arkansas law, visit these links:

• Arkansas Law
• Arkansas Criminal Law
• Arkansas Accident and Injury Laws
• Arkansas Capital Punishment Laws
• Arkansas Car Accident Compensation Laws
• Arkansas Law Help — Self-Help Forms
• Arkansas Negligence Laws
• Arkansas Rape and Sexual Assault Laws
• Criminal Charges
• First-Degree Murder Overview
• Time Limits for Car Accident Claims: The Statute of Limitations
• Time Limit Considerations in Medical Malpractice Cases
• Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations
• What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
• Wrongful Death Claims and the Discovery Rule

For information about other states’ laws, visit FindLaw’s State Statute of Limitations Laws.

Questions About Limitations Periods? Ask an Attorney

Whether you have a personal injury claim in Little Rock or law enforcement has charged you with a misdemeanor in Fayetteville, an attorney’s legal advice and representation can help. They can offer specific legal advice for your claim, and they can ensure you know the statute of limitations in your case.

If you have a personal injury claim, consider contacting an Arkansas personal injury attorney. For other civil claims, contact a civil litigation attorney near you. If you face criminal charges, contact a criminal defense attorney in Arkansas.