Missouri Statutes of Limitations

Learn about your state's laws by using the links below.

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 21, 2025

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

State and federal courts have time limits for filing a civil complaint or formal criminal charges. These time limits, known as "statutes of limitations," ensure the integrity of evidence and prevent people from threatening lawsuits indefinitely. They typically differ by type of civil claim or criminal charge.

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. But, fraud and debt collection claims have a 10-year limit. For criminal charges, there is no limit for murder charges but a one-year statute of limitations for misdemeanors.

Get Legal Advice on Missouri's Statutes of Limitations

Under Missouri law, statutes of limitations set specific time limits for taking legal action, whether filing criminal charges or pursuing a civil lawsuit. These timeframes vary by case type. A Missouri personal injury attorney can help if your situation involves an injury, while a Missouri criminal defense attorney can guide criminal cases. Missing a deadline can mean losing the chance to file your case. Getting a case evaluation from an experienced attorney is crucial to understanding which time limits apply.

Learn About Missouri Statutes of Limitation

  • Missouri Civil Statutes of Limitation

    Missouri's civil statutes of limitation set a specific timeframe within which a lawsuit must be filed following a disputed incident. These limitation periods vary based on the type of tort involved. For example, most personal injury cases, including those from a car accident, have a five-year limitation period. But, medical malpractice cases must get filed within two years of the incident or discovery of harm. In cases of wrongful death, a three-year period usually applies. This period begins from the date of death. You may lose the right to sue entirely if you miss these deadlines.

  • Missouri Criminal Statutes of Limitation

    Missouri's criminal law establishes a statute of limitations deadline that sets the time a prosecutor has to charge someone with a crime. The time limit varies by the type and classification of the offense. For example, most Class A felonies, such as murder, have no statute of limitations. This allows prosecution at any time. In contrast, other criminal cases, like certain sexual offenses against minors, have extended limits, often until the victim reaches a certain age.

Was this helpful?

Helpful Links

Popular Directory Searches