North Carolina limits the amount of time that a victim has to file legal action against their attacker. This time limit, called a statute of limitations, gives you three years from the date of the attack to file a civil lawsuit for sexual assault. Should you fail to file your case by the deadline, you lose all rights to pursue legal action. Many victims believe that a criminal conviction is required in order to file a civil lawsuit against their attacker, but you have the right to pursue a civil claim regardless of any criminal disposition....more