Opinion ID: 1654637
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Extension to the Statute of Limitations

Text: The statute of limitations on the Class C felony at issue in this case was three years. Ark.Code Ann. § 5-1-109(b)(2) (Repl.2005 and Supp.2003). In the absence of an extension of time based on P.S.'s status as a minor granted under Ark.Code Ann. § 5-1-109(h)(8), [5] no criminal action could be commenced against Hayes under section 5-14-108 after December 31, 2000. However, such an extension was granted in section 5-1-109(h)(8) and is applicable in this case. The State argues that the statute of limitations in place at the time of the alleged offenses must control or prosecution based on a newer statute would be barred as ex post facto. It is true that if the limitations period had run, and the State were attempting to revive the action by enactment of a new statute of limitations, it would be barred as ex post facto. Where a statute extends the period of limitation, the extension applies to offenses not barred at the time of the passage of the act, so that a prosecution may be commenced at any time within the newly established period. Such a statute, however, cannot operate to revive offenses that were barred at the time of its enactment, since that would make the statute ex post facto. 21 Am.Jur.2d Criminal Law § 294 (1998). However, what is at issue in this case is not the limitations period but rather the application of a repealed statutory scheme for prosecution of the crime of sexual abuse in the first-degree under section 5-14-108. Although section 5-14-108 was expressly repealed, it may be treated as remaining in force with respect to offenses committed prior to repeal. Ark.Code Ann. § 1-2-120 (Repl.1996). See also, Clark v. State, 246 Ark. 876, 440 S.W.2d 205 (1969). Likewise, the extension of time within which to prosecute a criminal action under section 5-14-108 provided in section 5-1-109(h)(8) was part of the statutory scheme for enforcement of section 5-14-108. Therefore, because the alleged criminal acts occurred between 1995 and 1997 when section 5-14-108 applied, the criminal action could be filed within three years of the act or acts, or within three years of P.S.'s birthday on February 2, 2003, when she turned eighteen. The action was filed October 8, 2004, well within three years from P.S.'s birthday. Reversed and remanded.