Connecticut Criminal Statute of Limitations

Prosecutors usually have a limited amount of time to charge someone with a crime. Failing to file charges within the time limits—called "statutes of limitations"—can result in the case being dismissed. Read below to find out about Connecticut's statutes of limitations for several types of crimes.

What Are Criminal Statutes of Limitations?

Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. Say someone commits felony theft (which has a 5-year statute of limitations) on January 1, 2025. The prosecutor would need to file charges by January 1, 2030. If the prosecution charges that person after the applicable time period has passed, they could ask the judge to dismiss those charges.

How Long After a Crime Can Charges Be Filed in Connecticut?

In Connecticut and most other states, the time limit depends on the offense level or the specific crime. For instance, a prosecutor might have five years to file most felony charges but only one year for misdemeanor offenses. Violent crimes generally have longer statutes of limitations, and some crimes (like murder or sexual assault of a minor) have no statute of limitations—meaning a criminal case can be filed at any time. In certain instances, statutes of limitations are “tolled” (suspended), allowing the government more time to bring a case.

Connecticut's Statutes of Limitations for Felonies and Misdemeanors

Like many states, Connecticut’s law sets time limits for a host of specific crimes. For crimes not specifically listed in the statute, a general statute of limitations applies based on the category of the crime. The general time limits are:

• no time limit for Class A felonies
• five years for all other felonies (Class B, C, D, and E), and
• one year for all other offenses.

(Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 53a-25, 54-193, 54-193b (2026).)

Connecticut's Statutes of Limitations for Specific Crimes

Below are examples of time limits for specific crimes in Connecticut. Keep in mind that the following is a partial list that broadly summarizes the law. You should look at the actual law for nuances, exceptions, and legislative changes—and know that court rulings can affect the interpretation of the law. (Changes to limitations periods made by the legislature apply only to crimes not yet time-barred and cannot revive cases where the statute of limitations has already expired.)

When Does the Statute of Limitations Start in Connecticut?

Generally, the statute of limitations starts when the crime occurs. But in circumstances where it’s difficult to discover the crime or a victim might be particularly scared to report it, the law might delay the starting of the time clock or extend the limitations period.

Sexual assault cases. For instance, Connecticut law allows sexual assault cases where DNA evidence is available to be prosecuted at any time if: (1) the victim notifies any police officer or state attorney within five years of the offense, and (2) the suspect’s identity is established using DNA collected at the time of the offense.

Fleeing the state. Also, if a person tries to “evade” (avoid) arrest for a crime, the law gives the prosecutor extra time to file charges. In Connecticut, the statute of limitations doesn’t run during any time the defendant has resided outside the state.

Time to Talk to a Lawyer

Statutes of limitations are confusing, to say the least. Plus, the same conduct can be the basis for multiple criminal charges, meaning that more than one limitations period could apply. Consult a knowledgeable attorney in your area to understand how the statutes of limitations apply in a specific case.