Statutes of limitations set time limits for the government to bring criminal charges in a case. If the prosecution charges someone after the applicable time period has passed, the person charged can have the case dismissed.
In Georgia and most other states, violent crimes generally have longer statutes of limitations, and some crimes (like murder and child rape) 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.
Like many states, Georgia'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:
(Ga. Code §§ 17-3-1, -2, -2.1, 2.2, -3 (2019).)
Below are examples of time limits for specific crimes in Georgia. 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.
The following crimes (committed on or after July 1, 2012) can be prosecuted at any time, if the victim was younger than 16:
For the following crimes (committed between July 1, 1992 and June 30, 2012) where the victim was younger than 16, the time clock doesn't start until the victim turns 16 or the crime is reported to the authorities, whichever is earlier:
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.
For instance, Georgia allows the prosecution to file charges at any time for the following crimes if DNA evidence is preserved and identifies the accused: armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, or aggravated sexual battery.
If the defendant is a government officer or employee accused of stealing public property, the clock doesn't run during any time the defendant was in that role.
Georgia law suspends the time clock for cases involving theft of a ward or beneficiary's property by a guardian or trustee. The clock doesn't run during the time the accused is in the role of guardian or trustee.
The law extends a prosecutor's window to charge certain crimes committed against victims 65 or older. The time clock doesn't begin to run until the violation is reported to or discovered by the authorities, whichever occurs earlier, up to a maximum extension of 15 years.
Also, if a person tries to "evade" (avoid) prosecution, the law gives the prosecutor extra time to file charges. In Georgia, the statute of limitations doesn't run while the defendant is not usually and publicly a resident in the state, the defendant is unknown, or the crime is unknown.
Statutes of limitations are confusing to say the least. In addition to identifying the time limit applicable to a specific crime, one must navigate exceptions, exclusions, extensions, court interpretations, and legislative changes. Consult a knowledgeable attorney in your area to understand how the statutes of limitations apply in a specific case.
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