Rhode Island Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 24, 2025
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Every state, including Rhode Island, has laws dictating how long the state has to file charges against a would-be defendant. These laws are statutes of limitations. The criminal statute of limitations starts when the offender commits the crime. But the courts may pause the "clock" if the suspect tries to evade law enforcement or lives out of state.
The Rhode Island General Laws impose these time limits to help preserve the integrity of the criminal justice system. If the state had no deadline to file charges for a criminal offense, evidence, including witness testimony, would become stale and less reliable.
Every crime has a statute of limitations, but the time limit depends on the severity of the crime (felony or misdemeanor). Some crimes, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.
Here, we'll explain how Rhode Island's criminal statutes of limitations work and the filing deadlines for the most common offenses. We will also explain what happens if the state fails to pursue criminal charges before the statute of limitations period expires. If you're facing criminal charges, contact a criminal defense lawyer right away.
Rhode Island Criminal Statutes of Limitations at a Glance
As stated above, Rhode Island's rules of criminal procedure impose no statute of limitations for certain crimes.
| Code sections | R.I. Gen. Laws §12-12-17 |
|---|---|
| Felonies | Besides to the crimes listed above, the following criminal offenses have no statute of limitations:
There is no filing deadline for any criminal case involving a crime carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The same is true for conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes. The following crimes have a 10-year statute of limitation:
Other Felonies:
|
| Misdemeanors | The state must file most misdemeanor charges within three years. |
| Crimes against children | First- and second-degree child molestation, sexual assault: No time limit |
| Acts during which statute does not run | The suspect is trying to evade law enforcement or living out of state |
| Other | Theft, loss, or destruction of indictment or information — Extends limitation period one year (R.I. Gen. Laws §12-12-18) |
Disclaimer: State laws are constantly changing through higher court decisions, new legislation, and other means. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, you should contact a Rhode Island criminal defense attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state laws.
Contact a Rhode Island Criminal Defense Attorney for Help
Contact a skilled criminal defense lawyer if you're facing criminal charges in Rhode Island. They'll ensure that the state handles your case correctly and doesn't try to charge you for crimes beyond the statute of limitations.
Research the Law
- Rhode Island Law
- Official State Codes — Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Rhode Island Criminal Statute of Limitations: Related Resources
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