Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Heidy Garcia, JD | Last reviewed October 12, 2020
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State prosecutors have time limits within which to file criminal charges, commonly referred to as the statute of limitations. One of the motivations for these limits is to ensure that evidence (both witness testimony and physical evidence) is fresh and useful for a trial, although murder often lacks such a limit. Michigan criminal statute of limitations law sets the limit at six years for misdemeanors and six to 10 years for most felonies.
The following chart highlights the main provisions of Michigan criminal statute of limitations law, with links to additional articles and resources.
State | Michigan |
---|---|
Topic | Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws |
Definition | The criminal statute of limitations is a time limit the state has for prosecuting a crime. Under Michigan law, the statute of limitations depends on the severity of the crime you face, ranging from six years to no time limit. |
Code Sections | Michigan Penal Code Sec. 767.24 |
Felonies |
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Misdemeanors | 6 years. |
Crimes in Which a Child Is a Victim |
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Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run | Statute does not run during any period where the defendant did not usually and publicly reside within Michigan. |
Other | For the following crimes, if DNA evidence is obtained related to the crime from an unknown individual, there will be no time limit to file indictment, but once individual is identified, indictment must be filed within 10 years after identification or when alleged victim turns 21, whichever is later.
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Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Research the Law
- Michigan Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and DC.
Michigan Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
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