What is the statute of limitations for prosecuting a felony and misdemeanor?

The statute of limitations for prosecuting felonies and misdemeanors in Illinois outlines the time frame within which legal action must be initiated. For felonies, the statute of limitations is three years. This means that from the date of the crime, law enforcement has a three-year window to charge the individual with a felony. For misdemeanors, the statute of limitations is 18 months. Thus, a misdemeanor charge must be filed within a year and a half after the offense occurred.

Understanding the significance of these time limits is crucial in law enforcement and legal proceedings, as they can determine whether or not a case can be prosecuted. If these time frames elapse without charges being filed, the accused can no longer be prosecuted for those offenses, regardless of the evidence available. This framework encourages timely investigations and prosecutions, ensuring that justice is served while also protecting the rights of individuals from prolonged uncertainty.