Connecticut Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 05, 2025

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For various reasons, there is generally a time limit on when someone can face criminal charges. State laws limit how long prosecutors have to file criminal charges, called the criminal statute of limitations. These limits ensure that criminal trials (and possible convictions) have fresh evidence. Most states have different limits for different kinds of crimes, and the state of Connecticut is no different.

In Connecticut, there is a five-year statute of limitations for filing charges of crimes that carry a punishment of imprisonment for more than one year. Most other crimes, with some notable exceptions, have a one-year limitation period. Murder and other Class A felonies have no statute of limitations.

Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Connecticut

Connecticut's criminal statutes of limitations set the time periods within which the state must take legal action following the time of the offense. The relevant Connecticut statutes outline different limitation periods for various offenses. These range from a few years for less severe crimes to no time limit for serious offenses like murder. Understanding these statutes is essential for victims seeking justice and defendants preparing their cases.

Learn about Connecticut's criminal statute of limitations laws and related matters in the chart below.

Definition

A statute of limitations tells you the time frame when the prosecution must bring a charge for a crime.

  
Code sections

Connecticut General Statutes sections 54-193 and 54-193b
Felonies

There is no time limit for the following crimes:

  • Capital and class A felonies, including murder
  • Escape in the first degree
  • Any crime involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual assault of a minor
  • Hindering prosecution of any of the above crimes by helping the person who committed the crime
  • Lying under oath when it results in the conviction of an innocent person
  • Failure to stop and help if you've caused a car accident that results in the death of another person
  • Sexual assault offenses if the victim notified police within five years of the crime and there is DNA evidence identifying the person who committed the crime

The time limit for most sex crimes is 20 years. The time limit for any other
Misdemeanors

Generally, cases of misdemeanors must begin within one year. For class A misdemeanor sexual assault crime in the fourth degree, if the victim was 21 years of age or older at the time of the crime, the limit is 10 years.
Crimes against children

The state can try any crime involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or aggravated sexual assault of a minor at any time.
Acts during which statute does not run

The time limit for bringing a case stops when you have fled the state or are living outside the state.
Other

Any crime involving sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual assault of a person who was 18, 19, or 20 at the time of the crime must be tried within 30 years of the victim's 21st birthday.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Research the Law

Get Legal Advice From a Connecticut Criminal Defense Attorney

Any criminal charge is a serious matter; criminal statutes can vary depending on your jurisdiction. If you face criminal charges, you can contact a Connecticut criminal defense attorney in your area to discuss your case. Also, visit FindLaw's Criminal Law Basics for more details.

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