Below is a summary of the statute of limitation periods for criminal cases in North Carolina. Statutes of limitations set forth the time period within which the state must commence a case against someone for a crime. North Carolina is unusual in that only misdemeanors and minor offenses are subject to any time limitations. For all other offenses, the state can bring an action against someone regardless of how much time has passed since the date of the crime.
N.C. Gen. Stat. 15-1
Misdemeanors (except malicious misdemeanors); deceit and malicious mischief; and petit larceny where value of property is under $5.00: 2 years
All felonies and all other offenses (including malicious misdemeanors): no statute of limitations
