When it comes to criminal law, every state has its own statutes of limitations restricting how long after the incident occurred a prosecutor can file charges. Different crimes have different statutes based on their severity, and the most serious crimes, like aggravated murder, may not have any time limit at all. Accusations of certain crimes, like sexual offenses, are more likely to arise years after the fact than those for things like shoplifting.

If someone has accused you of committing a crime that allegedly occurred years ago, a criminal defense attorney from Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton can evaluate the details of the case to determine if the statute of limitations has passed. 

What Is the Purpose of Having a Deadline?

Statutes of limitations exist so that criminal charges are filed when most of the essential evidence is still intact. In the state of Ohio, most crimes have a six-year statute of limitations; however, there are a few exceptions. For example, when it comes to felony charges involving rape, sexual battery, or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, the deadline is 20 years. This means a prosecutor can file charges up to 20 years after the incident allegedly occurred.

What If the Deadline Has Passed?

If the statute of limitations has passed, prosecutors cannot file charges against an alleged offender. It’s important to note that some states do not have a statute of limitations on charges related to sexual violence, however, which means you could still be prosecuted for such an offense decades later despite living in Ohio if the plaintiff alleges that the incident occurred in another state.

If you are facing charges for something that allegedly occurred years ago, turn to a criminal defense lawyer at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH, to determine the best way to proceed. Whether you need a DUI attorney or a more general criminal lawyer, you can rely on their team for quality legal counsel. To learn more about the strategic representation they provide and people facing charges, visit the website. You can schedule an initial consultation with a defense attorney by calling (513) 867-1411.