What is the statute of limitations on misdemeanor charges in Florida?

Answer 1

Warning: Statutes of Limitations are not the same in every jurisdiction. statutes of limitations are part of the criminal law. In the US, for instance, criminal law is a state responsibility, so there can be different statutes of limitations for each state. In Canada, on the other hand, criminal law is a federal responsibility and the answer will be the same no matter which province or territory the questioner lives in. For the most accurate answer, the question should include which country (and if the US, which state) the questioner lives in.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS The statute of limitations is the legal amount of time in which a victim/Survivor of a crime has to bring criminal charges or a civil suit against a perpetrator. When a crime is reported to law enforcement, the case is forwarded to the District Attorney for a charging decision. If the crime is reported after the statute of limitations has expired, the victim/survivor has no criminal recourse. In civil cases, the statute of limitations is much shorter than in criminal cases. When a victim/survivor wants to pursue a civil suit, she/he should contact a civil attorney/litigator who can help to determine whether the circumstances of the case are within the legal time frame. THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES Prosecution for a felony must be commenced within 6 years and prosecution of a misdemeanor must be commenced within 3 years of the crime. First, second and third degree sexual assault are considered felonies and fourth degree sexual assault is considered a misdemeanor. Prosecution has commenced when a warrant or summons is issued by the court, an indictment is found by the court, or information has been filed with the court. (Wisconsin Statutes, section 939.74) http://danenet.wicip.org/dcccrsa/saissues/statlimi.html What this means is that if you commit a crime on 1January2000, if the police or courts do not charge you within the time period, they can not. If you are charged within that time period there exists NO statute but you must be tried within a certain amount of time (depends on State). If you are arrested, bond out and go on the lam, you are a "wanted man" until you are dead or pardoned. Y-THINK-Y

Answer 2

Florida Statutes, Section 775.15 Time limitations; general time limitations; exceptions.

(a) A prosecution for a felony of the first degree must be commenced within 4 years after it is committed.

(b) A prosecution for any other felony must be commenced within 3 years after it is committed.

* (c) A prosecution for a misdemeanor of the first degree must be commenced within 2 years after it is committed. * (d) A prosecution for a misdemeanor of the second degree or a noncriminal violation must be commenced within 1 year after it is committed.

Answer 3

Florida's statute of limitations is based on the seriousness of the crime charged. Felonies that result in death or is a Capitol or life felony has no limit. The other felonies could be 2, 3 or 5 years depending on the specific charge and the victim. Absence from the state can toll the statute for up to three years.

Answer 4

There are two levels of misdemeanors in Florida. First degree sets the limit a 2 years, others are 1 year.

Answer 5

It will depend on whether it is a 1st degree misdemeanor or other level. For 1st degree it is 2 years, for all others 1 year.

Answer 6

If it is considered a life felony in Florida, there would be no limit. Otherwise it would be three or five years depending on the specific charges.

Answer 7

2 years for first degree. 1 year for 2nd.