Virginia Statutes of Limitations
All states, including Virginia, place time limits for filing lawsuits or prosecuting crimes.
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed April 16, 2025
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These time limits are statutes of limitations and vary by the type of civil action or crime. For instance, the time limit to prosecute a defendant for felony cruelty to animals is five years, but only one year for agricultural animals.
Civil statutes of limitations range from one to 20 years, with a two-year limit for personal injury claims. It’s crucial that you understand the statute of limitations and how it impacts your case.
Below are links to relevant FindLaw articles. These should answer most questions about Virginia's civil and criminal statutes of limitations.
If you need more help, talk to an experienced criminal defense lawyer (or personal injury attorney) in Virginia. Your Virginia criminal defense attorney will ensure the prosecutor doesn’t pursue charges beyond the statute of limitations time period.
Disclaimer: State laws change all the time. It’s a good idea to speak with a Virginia attorney or conduct legal research to confirm the laws in your state.
A Virginia Attorney Can Help
If you have questions about how the statute of limitations in your state may impact your case, consult an experienced Virginia attorney today. They’ll review your case and answer any questions you have. They’ll also explain how the Virginia statute of limitations affects your personal injury case and what you must do to file it within the legal timeframe.