I committed a crime 30 years ago, can I still be charged for this felony offense according to the statute of limitations?

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Question:

I’m 52 years old now and I was wondering what the statute of limitations would be on a felony I committed when I was 22?  I was never arrested, but I am scared I could still be charged even if it happened a long time ago.

Answer: (1)

The type of crime you committed determines the statute of limitations; felony convictions typically have longer limitations than misdemeanors.  These statutes of limitations also vary from state to state.  However, there are only a few crimes that have no limitation.  Because it has been 30 years since you committed the offense, these crimes with no limitations are the only ones that you could still be charged with.  They include murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual abuse of a child or indecency with a child, or leaving the scene of an accident.  With the exception of these crimes, the statute of limitations on other felonies ranges from 3 to 10 years.  However, if you committed one of the crimes listed with no limitations, you can still be charged with the offense.

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