Mississippi Criminal Statute of Limitations

Statutes of limitations set time limits for prosecutors 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.

Mississippi Criminal Statutes of Limitations

In Mississippi and most other states, violent crimes generally have longer statutes of limitations, and some crimes (like murder and 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.

Mississippi's Statutes of Limitations for Felonies and Misdemeanors

Like many states, Mississippi law sets time limits for a host of specific crimes. For crimes not specifically listed in the statute, the statute of limitations is two years after the crime (for both felonies and misdemeanors).

(Miss. Code § 99-1-5 (2025).)

Mississippi's Statutes of Limitations for Specific Crimes

Below are examples of time limits for specific crimes in Mississippi. 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.

Lawmakers can change limitations periods and often do. For example, they could change the statute of limitations for felonies from two to five years. But whether changes apply to past crimes depends on a couple of factors. Importantly, a new time limit created by the legislature doesn't apply if the prosecutor had already run out of time to file the charges.

Murder, Manslaughter, and Homicide

• Murder and manslaughter: no time limit
• Voluntary, involuntary, reckless, and negligent homicide: no time limit

Rape and Sex Crimes

• Rape: no time limit
• Touching or handling a child for lustful purposes: no time limit
• Sexual battery of a child: no time limit
• Sexual battery or fondling of a vulnerable person: no time limit
• Sexual battery (nonconsensual): no time limit if DNA later proves the offender's identity
• Promoting prostitution of a minor: no time limit

Assault and Other Crimes Against People

• Aggravated assault: no time limit
• Aggravated domestic violence: no time limit
• Other assaults: 2 years after the crime
• Robbery and kidnapping: no time limit
• Felony abuse of a child: no time limit
• Felony abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable person: 5 years after the crime

Theft, Larceny, and Fraud-Related Offenses

• Larceny and burglary: no time limit
• Larceny of timber: 6 years after the crime
• Embezzlement, forgery, and counterfeiting: no time limit
• Using false pretenses or fraud to obtain money or property: no time limit
• Felony assistance-program fraud: 5 years after the crime
• Bribery: 5 years after the crime

Tolling the Statute of Limitations in Mississippi

Generally, the statute of limitations starts when the crime occurs. But in circumstances where it's difficult to discover the crime, the law might delay the starting of the time clock or extend the limitations period. In Mississippi, the statute of limitations won't prevent someone from being prosecuted if that person absconds (hides), flees from justice, or leaves the state in order not to be found.

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 limitation period could apply. Consult a knowledgeable attorney in your area to understand how the statutes of limitations apply in a specific case.