Nebraska Criminal Statute of Limitations

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 Nebraska and most other states, violent crimes generally have longer statutes of limitations, and some crimes (like murder and certain sex crimes) have no statute of limitations—meaning a criminal case can be filed at any time.

Nebraska's Statute of Limitations for Felonies and Misdemeanors

Like many states, Nebraska'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:

• one year for misdemeanors with a maximum fine of $100 or a maximum sentence of three months in jail
• 18 months for all other misdemeanors, and
• three years for felony offenses.

Nebraska defines misdemeanors as offenses that have a maximum one-year sentence. Felonies carry the possibility of more than one year in prison.

(Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-110 (2025).)

Nebraska's Statute of Limitations for Specific Crimes

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

Murder, Manslaughter, and Homicide

• Murder: no time limit
• Manslaughter: 3 years after the crime
• Motor vehicle homicide: 3 years after the crime

Sexual Assault and Trafficking Crimes

• Sexual assault of a child (younger than 16) in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degrees: no time limit
• Labor and sex trafficking of a minor: no time limit
• Sexual assault in the 1st or 2nd degrees: no time limit
• Labor and sex trafficking of an adult: the later of 7 years after the crime or 7 years after the victim turns 18

Forgery, Fraud, and Theft Crimes

• Forgery: no time limit
• Securities Act violations: 5 years after the crime
• Criminal impersonation, identity theft, and identity fraud: 5 years after the crime
• Public assistance fraud for $500 or more: 5 years after the crime

Tolling the Criminal Statute of Limitations in Nebraska

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.

Child pornography. For instance, Nebraska law allows certain possession of child pornography cases to be prosecuted seven years after the commission of the offense or seven years after the victim's 18th birthday, whichever is later.

Fleeing from justice. Also, if a person tries to "evade" (avoid) arrest for a crime, the law gives the prosecutor extra time to file charges. In Nebraska, the statute of limitations doesn't apply to any person fleeing from justice.

When Should You Talk to a Lawyer

Statutes of limitations can end a case. If the state fails to file charges within the applicable time limits, it loses its right to prosecute that case. But generally, the defendant must raise the statute of limitations as a defense. Consult a knowledgeable attorney in your area to understand how the statutes of limitations apply in a specific case.