Idaho Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 16, 2025
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Statutes of limitations determine the time frame parties have to bring legal action. Criminal statutes begin to run when the crime happens or when law enforcement reasonably should know that a crime has happened. For instance, in the case of misdemeanors, the statute of limitations starts when someone reports the crime.
Both civil actions and criminal cases have statutory limitation periods. These statutes ensure that plaintiffs and prosecutors file cases while the evidence is fresh. Criminal trials ensure a defendant's right to a speedy trial. State laws prevent police from delaying a cause of action until they "get around to it" or until a suspect is available for charging.
Serious felony crimes like murder, sex crimes such as rape, and crimes against children, do not have statutory limitations. Misdemeanor charges generally have a one- or two-year statute of limitations. Pausing or "tolling" the statute happens when the suspect is out of state or unavailable.
If someone has charged you with a crime, hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Idaho
The criminal statutes of limitations in the state of Idaho determine how long it takes for the state to bring charges against a suspect following the commission of a crime.
Code sections | |
---|---|
Felonies | There is no time limit for the following crimes:
Cases for any other felony must begin within five years of the crime. |
Misdemeanors |
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Crimes against children |
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Disclaimer: 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.
Idaho Criminal Laws Related Resources:
- Idaho Legal Research
- Idaho Statutes
- Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia
- State Criminal Statutes of Limitations
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