Below are the statutes of limitation for criminal cases in Arizona 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.
Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 13-107
There is no statute of limitations for:
- Homicide
- Violent sexual assault
- Participating in a criminal syndicate
- Misuse of public money
- Falsifying public records
Other felonies: within 7 years (Class 2 through Class 6 felonies) after actual discovery by the state or discovery that should have occurred with the exercise of reasonable diligence, whichever first occurs.
Misdemeanors: within 1 year after actual discovery by the state or discovery that should have occurred with the exercise of reasonable diligence, whichever first occurs.
Petty theft: 6 months
The statute of limitations does not run during any time when the accused is absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertainable place of abode within the state.
The period of limitation does not run for certain serious offenses if the identity of the person is unknown.