Arkansas Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
March 14, 2023
In Arkansas, the statute of limitations for criminal offenses varies depending on the type of crime committed. Here are the general guidelines for the statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Arkansas:
- Capital Murder: No statute of limitations
- Murder: No statute of limitations
- Class Y Felonies: 6 years
- Class A Felonies: 6 years
- Class B Felonies: 3 years
- Class C Felonies: 3 years
- Class D Felonies: 3 years
- Misdemeanors: 1 year
It is important to note that certain circumstances can toll, or pause, the statute of limitations. For example, if the defendant is out of state or has concealed their identity, the statute of limitations may not begin to run until the defendant is located.
Additionally, some crimes have special circumstances that can extend or shorten the statute of limitations. For example, the statute of limitations for sexual assault crimes can be extended if the victim was a minor at the time of the offense.
If you have been accused of a crime or are facing criminal charges in Arkansas, it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney who can provide you with specific information and guidance based on your case.
Time Limits for Criminal Charges in Arkansas
In Arkansas, there are specific time limits, or statutes of limitations, for filing criminal charges against an individual. These time limits vary depending on the type of crime committed, and are outlined in the Arkansas Code.
Here are the time limits for criminal charges in Arkansas:
- Capital Murder: No statute of limitations
- Murder: No statute of limitations
- Class Y Felonies: 6 years
- Class A Felonies: 6 years
- Class B Felonies: 3 years
- Class C Felonies: 3 years
- Class D Felonies: 3 years
- Misdemeanors: 1 year
It’s important to note that certain circumstances can pause or extend the statute of limitations, such as if the defendant is out of state, is a minor, or if the defendant has fled or concealed their identity. Additionally, some crimes may have special circumstances that can extend or shorten the statute of limitations.
If you have been accused of a crime or are facing criminal charges in Arkansas, it is important to speak with a criminal defense attorney who can provide you with specific information and guidance based on your case.
Research the Law
As an AI language model, I am not able to conduct legal research. However, there are several resources available to conduct legal research on specific laws or cases.
- Arkansas State Legislature website: The Arkansas State Legislature website provides access to the Arkansas Code, which contains all of the laws of Arkansas. You can search for specific statutes and read the text of the laws.
- Arkansas Judiciary website: The Arkansas Judiciary website provides access to court opinions and decisions from the Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals. You can search for cases by case name or keyword.
- Legal research databases: There are several legal research databases available, such as LexisNexis and Westlaw, that provide access to primary sources of law, as well as secondary sources such as legal treatises and law review articles.
- Law libraries: Law libraries can provide access to legal materials, including books, journals, and databases. Many law libraries are open to the public, but some may require a library card or fee.
It is important to note that legal research can be complex and time-consuming. If you need legal advice or representation, it is best to consult with a licensed attorney who can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
