The "Statute of Limitations" in Florida
Posted on Jun 26, 2012 10:46pm PDT
In Florida, there are time limitations for when a person may be prosecuted
for an alleged crime. These time limitations are established in chapter
775.15, Florida Statutes. This is commonly referred to as the Statute
of Limitations.
Generally, the most serious felonies (such as murder, Lewd and Lascivious
Molestation of a child…) are known as capital, life felonies, or
first degree felonies. There is no time limitation for these charges.
A second degree felony has a four year limitation. A third degree felony
has a three year limitation. A first degree misdemeanor is two years.
A second degree misdemeanor is one year. There are many offenses that
have different limitations, such as some Theft/Fraud charges that carry
a five year limitation.
Of important note, the courts will not likely dismiss a case on a limitations
grounds if the defendant has been absent from the State or absconded.
There are many other things to consider when dealing with a time limitations
issue, such as when the courts consider that a prosecution has commenced
for purposes of calculating the time. These issues are complex, subject
to interpretation, and require the attention of a skilled advocate.
If you are facing a criminal charge and think there is a time limitation
issue, you should hire an Orlando criminal attorney to assert your defenses.