Georgia Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 24, 2025
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Prosecutors have time limits for filing criminal charges against defendants, called statutes of limitations. These limits help ensure fresh evidence, whether eyewitness testimony or physical evidence.
As in other states, Georgia's criminal statute of limitations laws allow longer time periods to file charges (legal action) for rape, crimes against children, and other criminal offenses where victims may not report the crime until years later.
This article will discuss details on statutes of limitations in Georgia criminal cases. If you're facing criminal charges, hire a criminal defense attorney right away.
Georgia Laws At a Glance
The following table shows the basics of Georgia criminal statute of limitations laws. The statute lists specific felonies and their corresponding time frames for bringing charges. Those not listed have a four-year statute of limitations. All misdemeanors have a two-year statute of limitations. See Details on State Criminal Statute of Limitations for more information.
Code sections | |
---|---|
Felonies |
|
Misdemeanors | Cases for misdemeanors must begin within two years. |
Crimes against children |
|
Acts during which statute does not run | The time limit does not run when:
If the victim of any crime is 65 or older at the time of the crime, the time limit does not start until the violation is reported or discovered by the authorities, whichever is earlier. Unless the general time limit for the crime is more than 15 years, a case must get filed within 15 years. |
Other |
|
Note: State laws are constantly changing — contact a Georgia criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.
Research the Law
- Georgia Law
- Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Georgia Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
- Criminal Law Basics
- Time Limits to Bring a Case: The Statute of Limitations (civil)
- Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations
Have Questions About Georgia's Criminal Statutes of Limitations? Ask a Lawyer
Depending on the severity of the crime, a conviction can deprive you of your freedom for months or years and can have lasting impacts on your life. If law enforcement officers have charged you with an alleged offense in the state of Georgia, it's best to get legal advice from a criminal defense attorney. Whether you're accused of a DUI or other serious felonies, they will protect your rights and defend you in court.
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 Georgia attorneys offer free consultations.
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