New Hampshire Statutes of Limitations
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By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed February 20, 2025
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States have time limits for bringing civil and criminal claims or charges. They are statutes of limitations, which aim to ensure the integrity of evidence and testimony, ensure a relatively speedy judicial system, and prevent the prospect of lifetime threats of lawsuits.
This section will show how these time limits "toll" and when the clock stops, such as when a suspect evades the law. The Granite State's criminal statute of limitations is six years for most felonies and two years for most misdemeanors. But there is no time limit for murder charges. There is a three-year time limit for injury and most other civil claims. Click on a link below to learn more about New Hampshire's statutes of limitations.
New Hampshire Civil Statutes of Limitations
New Hampshire's civil statutes of limitations outline the limitations period within which plaintiffs must bring a cause of action in court. Deadlines typically range from two to three years. For example, personal injury claims, such as those from a car accident, generally have a three-year statute of limitations. This timeframe also applies to wrongful death claims, medical malpractice cases, and product liability claims. Actions involving defamation often have shorter time limits.
For a full overview of the state of New Hampshire's specific deadlines for various types of civil actions, read FindLaw's article on New Hampshire Civil Statutes of Limitations.
New Hampshire's Criminal Statutes of Limitations
New Hampshire's criminal law sets statutes of limitations for prosecutors to file charges. Time limits vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, there is no statute of limitations for murder. In certain cases, the state applies the discovery rule. This rule extends the filing period if the crime wasn't immediately discovered.
These statutes ensure that criminal cases get filed within a timeframe that aligns with the nature of the crime. For more details on New Hampshire's specific time limits, read FindLaw's article on New Hampshire Criminal Statutes of Limitations.
Get Legal Advice on New Hampshire Statute of Limitations Laws
Understanding New Hampshire's statutes of limitations is essential for taking timely legal action in a civil or criminal case. The timeframe for filing a lawsuit or for prosecutors to press charges can vary greatly. It depends on the type of offense or cause of action. Consulting with an experienced New Hampshire attorney can help clarify your rights.