Virginia Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statute: 19.2-8

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

Felonies:

• Murder: N/A
• Cruelty to animals: 5 years (except for agricultural animals: 1 year)
• Making false presentation under VA Unemployment Compensation Act to receive benefits, attempt to evade or failure to pay taxes, violation of laws re: discharge, dumping, or emission of toxic substance, violation of rules of VA Real Estate Board, illegal sales of wild birds, animals, or freshwater fish: 3 years
• Malfeasance in office, Building Code violations: 2 years
• Violation of Campaign Finance Disclosure Act: within 1 year of discovery (maximum 3 years after offense)

Misdemeanors: Petit larceny: 5 years; attempt to produce abortion: 2 years; others: 1 year

Statute (time) does not run: Fleeing justice or concealing self to avoid arrest

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