When does the statute of limitations period begin?

Question

Does the statutes of limitations period begin when the crime is commited or when it is discovered/reported?

Answer 1

Generally speaking, in most states, the statute of limitations period begins when a crime is completed. Thus, if the crime involves a sequence of acts -- typical in conspiracy and some types of fraud cases -- the statute of limitations only begins with the last act.

However, certain facts that may make it difficult to catch and charge the offender may toll or suspend the running of the statute of limitations with one of the best examples being fraud. In those cases, the time between the commission of the crime and its discovery by the victim might not count.

In addition, different crimes may have different statutes of limitations and the most serious may have none.

Answer 2

This depends on the crime. Most statue of limitations begin on the day the crime is committed. However some crimes such as child molestation, the statue has been modified to start when the child remembers they were molested.
The statue of limitation is different in every state. The best way to find out is a free consultation with an attorney.

Answer 3

Interesting question. I want to take a shot at this since law is common sense. It seems like discovery is key and the apparent documentation of the crime is valid.

Answer 4

Your best bet, is to either turn yourself in, or keep running for the rest of your life. don't depend on statuates of limitations to get you out of trouble, that usually never works.