The standard for most criminal charges is four years, with misdemeanors coming in at just two years. In cases of violent crimes like murder, rape, sexual assault, assault, battery, and armed robbery, the statute of limitations varies or doesn’t exist at all.
For instance, for the felony charge of rape, the statute of limitations is generally 15 years. But if the victim was under the age of 18 at the time, it becomes more complex.
In severe criminal cases where DNA is used to uncover the criminal, the statute of limitations is voided and they may be prosecuted at any time. Examples of these exceptions include armed robbery, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sexual battery, kidnapping, and more.