Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanors and Felonies

Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations for Misdemeanors

The Ohio criminal statute of limitations for a misdemeanor is two years, while the statute of limitations for a minor misdemeanor is six months.

Ohio Criminal Statute of Limitations for Felonies

Typically, the Ohio criminal statute of limitations for felonies is six years.  However, felonies have different statute of limitations depending on the type of felony committed.

Murder or Aggravated Murder

• There is no time limit, so the State of Ohio can prosecute a case at any time.

Fraud or Breach of Fiduciary Duty

• The State can prosecute fraud or breach of fiduciary duty within one year of discovery of the offense committed.

Identity Fraud

• The State can prosecute identity fraud within five years of discovery of the offense committed.

Official Misconduct of a Public Servant

• The State can prosecute official misconduct within two years of discovery of the offense committed.  A public servant includes an elected or appointed employee, or officer of the State or political subdivision, a person hired for a particular government function, such as a juror, or a candidate for public office.

All Other Felonies

• The Ohio criminal statute of limitations for all other felonies is twenty years.  These felonies include manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, compelling prosecution, arson, robbery, burglary, aggravated riot, felonious or aggravated assault of a peace officer, felonious assault, and conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes.

Generally, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until there is concrete evidence of the crime, the accused avoids prosecution by leaving the state or hiding their identity, or if the state has prosecuted the accused for the same crime that is currently pending.

Ref: Ohio Revised Code Section 2901.13.

Attorney Adam Burke Llc — Columbus, Ohio Criminal Statutes of Limitations Attorney

In conclusion, Ohio Laws dealing with Statutes of Limitation can be daunting and confusing. It is important to hire an experienced attorney to help you through your situation. Contact Attorney Adam Burke Llc now for your free consultation at (614) 280-9122.