New Jersey Statutes of Limitations
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By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 14, 2024
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All states have statutes of limitations. These are deadlines provided by state law that limit the time period a plaintiff or prosecutor has to bring a legal action.
In New Jersey, the limitations period for civil cases can range from one to 20 years or more. Statutes in criminal cases depend on the type of crime. Serious felonies like murder have no time limit. Misdemeanors, or disorderly persons offenses, have a one-year statute of limitations.
The time of a statute of limitations helps ensure the smooth operations of the court and that cases get filed on time. A filing deadline protects a defendant's right to a speedy trial for criminal cases. The prosecutor must bring the case while evidence is available and witnesses' memories are fresh.
Civil lawsuits prevent defendants from having potential lawsuits hanging over their heads for years after an incident. Plaintiffs must file personal injury lawsuits as soon as an injury happens or as soon as they know of a harm. In cases like medical malpractice, where an injury may take time to develop, the "discovery rule" allows plaintiffs to file their claims when they find the harm.
New Jersey Statutes of Limitations
New Jersey Civil Statute of Limitations
New Jersey's statutes of limitations for civil actions include all tort actions and real estate causes of action, including:
- Personal injury
- Libel/slander
- Property damage
- Professional and medical malpractice
- Written and oral contracts
- Wrongful death
- Product liability
New Jersey Criminal Statute of Limitations
New Jersey's criminal statutes limit the time a prosecutor has to file criminal charges against a defendant.
- Felonies/indictable offenses: no time limits for serious offenses, five years for all other crimes
- Misdemeanors/disorderly persons offenses: one year for all minor crimes
New Jersey Statutes of Limitation Articles
Get Legal Advice from a New Jersey Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have a civil or criminal legal issue, the statute of limitations is a critical factor. If you're not sure about the statute in your case, you need legal advice from a New Jersey criminal defense attorney. Contact a New Jersey civil attorney for legal advice for personal injury or other civil claims.