Below are the statutes of limitation for criminal cases in Rhode Island which set forth the time periods within which a legal proceeding must be commenced. If the state fails to bring a case within the specified time period, it loses its right to prosecute for that crime forever. In general, violent crimes have a longer statute of limitations, and with some crimes there is no statute of limitations. In certain instances, the statute of limitations may be tolled, or suspended, which grants the state additional time to commence a legal action.
R.I. Gen. Laws § § 12-3-10, 12-12-17, 12-12-18
Offenses
Treason against the state, any homicide, arson, first degree arson, second degree arson, third degree arson, burglary, counterfeiting, forgery, robbery, rape, first degree sexual assault, first degree child molestation sexual assault, second degree child molestation sexual assault, bigamy, manufacturing, selling, distribution or possession with intent to manufacture, sell or distribute a controlled substance under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act, chapter 28 of title 21, or any other offense for which the maximum penalty provided is life imprisonment: no limit
Larceny for fraudulently receiving stolen property, embezzlement and fraudulent conversion, obtaining property by false pretenses or personation, embezzlement by bank officer or employee, fraudulent conversion by agent or factor, obtaining signature by false pretenses, or any larceny which is punishable as a felony; bribery; giving false documents to an agent, employee, or public official; perjury; certain threats and extortion; violations of racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations laws or racketeer violence laws; or any violation of antitrust law: ten years
Any other criminal offense: three years (unless a longer statute of limitations is otherwise provided for in the general laws)
Violations of certain laws relating to refuse disposal, solid waste management corporations, hazardous waste management, water pollution, and public drinking water supplies: seven years from the time that the facts become known to law enforcement authorities (unless a longer statute of limitations is otherwise provided for in the general laws)
See R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-3-10 for a chart with other statute of limitation information
