Pennsylvania Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statute: Tit. 42 §5551-5554

Summary: The following sets forth the applicable crimes and the time period within which a prosecution must commence thereafter.

Felonies:

• Murder, manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, conspiracy to murder, soliciting to commit murder and murder results, felony connected with 1st or 2nd degree murder, vehicular homicide: N/A
• Major offenses or conspiracy or solicitation to commit major offense: 5 years
• Others: 2 years
• Fraud or breach of fiduciary duty: 3 years
• Official misconduct: 8 years
• Sexual offense committed against a minor: period of limitations starts when minor reaches the age of 18; sexual offenses: 12 years

Misdemeanors: 2 years; summary offenses: 30 days (section 6502 – offenses not otherwise set forth)

Statute (time) does not run: Absent from state; no ascertainable residence or place of work within state; prosecution pending for same conduct

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