Statute of Limitations for Criminal Cases in Ohio

Prosecutors have time limits for filing criminal charges against defendants, called the statute of limitations.  The statute of limitations varies depending on the level of the offense and the type of offense. 

Felonies

• Murder or Aggravated Murder: No statute of limitations
• Rape or Sexual Battery: 25 years
• The following violent felonies are 20 years:
• Manslaughter
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor
• Compelling prosecution
• Arson
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Aggravated riot
• Felonious or aggravated assault of a peace office
• Felonious assault
• Conspiracy to commit any of the above crimes

For most non-violent felonies the statute of limitations is 6 years. 

Misdemeanors

            All misdemeanors are two years except minor misdemeanors which are six months.