Below are the statutes of limitation for criminal cases in Vermont 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.
Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 13 § 4501 et seq.
Aggravated sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault of a child, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, murder, arson causing death, kidnapping: no limit
Manslaughter, sexual assault, lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual exploitation of children, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery offenses, false claims, certain fraud offenses, and felony tax offenses: within six years
Sexual assault, lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual exploitation of a minor, and lewd or lascivious conduct with a child: within the earlier of the date the victim attains the age of 24 or ten years from the date the offense is reported
Arson: within 11 years
Other felonies and for misdemeanors: within three years
