Wyoming Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By Susan Buckner, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed March 12, 2025
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Criminal statutes of limitation place time limits on the amount of time a prosecutor has to file charges after a crime. In most states, these time limits range from a year for most misdemeanors to unlimited time for serious felonies like homicide and sexual assault.
The state of Wyoming is one of two states with no criminal statutes of limitations. South Carolina is the only other such state. Three states, Kentucky, West Virginia, and North Carolina, have limits for misdemeanors, but not felonies.
| Definition | Under Wyoming law, there is no time limit for the statute of limitations, regardless of the severity of the crimes a person is accused of. |
|---|---|
| Felonies | Wyoming statutes have no time limit. |
| Misdemeanors | The state statute has no time limit. |
The Purpose of Criminal Statutes of Limitation
Criminal statutes of limitations ensure that criminal trials are based on the best available evidence. Prosecutors must file charges within a reasonable period of time when evidence is available and witness memories are fresh.
More serious crimes justify longer or indefinite statutes of limitation. Homicide, sexual assault, and crimes against children usually have no statutory limits. Less serious felonies have shorter periods of time of 10 to 20 years, which ensures law enforcement sufficient time to investigate crimes and locate defendants.
Statutes of limitation are essential for the criminal justice system. They support state laws by:
- Ensuring fairness to defendants by limiting prosecutorial powers
- Keeping the court process moving and preventing backlogs of cases
- Incentivizing prosecutors and law enforcement to keep cases active and avoid letting cases stagnate
In all states, including Wyoming, prosecutors can't charge defendants unless they are within the state. In other states, this “tolls” or pauses the statute if any.
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Get Legal Advice from a Wyoming Criminal Defense Attorney
Felony offenses and misdemeanors can result in time in a penitentiary under Wyoming criminal law. A felony conviction remains on your record permanently. Whether you’re facing a criminal charge in Wyoming like domestic violence, child abuse, something with controlled substances, or another violent felony you need legal help from a Wyoming criminal defense lawyer. If you find yourself charged with a more serious criminal offense involving potential life imprisonment or the death penalty, find an attorney now. An attorney can advise you on statutory limits in other states if needed.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Wyoming attorneys offer free consultations.
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