How to use the criminal statute of limitations calculator
A criminal statute of limitations sets how long prosecutors have to bring charges after an offense. Pick the offense date and category and this tool shows the period applied, the last day to charge on the plain statutory period, and how much of it is left.
Legal basis — For federal offenses, 18 U.S.C. 3282 sets a general five-year period, 18 U.S.C. 3281 removes any limitation for capital offenses, 26 U.S.C. 6531 sets six years for most tax offenses, 18 U.S.C. 3286 sets eight years for certain terrorism offenses and removes the limit where death or serious injury resulted, 18 U.S.C. 3293 sets ten years for offenses affecting a financial institution, and 18 U.S.C. 3299 removes the limit for certain offenses against children. State offenses run on state statutes, which is why the custom field exists. Figures reflect law as of September 2026.
The clock can be suspended. Under 18 U.S.C. 3290 the statute does not run while a person is fleeing from justice, and separate provisions pause it while foreign evidence requests are pending. Because tolling and continuing-offense rules vary so much, treat the result as a starting point rather than a deadline you can rely on.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 U.S.C. 3282 sets five years for most non-capital federal offenses, running from the date the offense was committed. Capital offenses have no limitation under 18 U.S.C. 3281, and several categories carry longer periods, such as ten years for offenses affecting a financial institution under 18 U.S.C. 3293.
Yes. 18 U.S.C. 3290 provides that the statute does not run while a person is fleeing from justice, and other provisions suspend it while evidence is sought abroad. State rules on tolling differ, so the tolling field here is only a rough adjustment.