Louisiana Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
By FindLaw Staff | Reviewed by Kathryn A. Ritcheske, Esq. | Last updated October 12, 2020
Can you be charged with a crime from six months or six years ago? It's a valid question and an important one at times. Prosecutors have time limits when it comes to filing formal charges against defendants. These time limits are referred to as statutes of limitations.
The main reason for these limits is to ensure trials are conducted with evidence, whether it's eyewitness testimony or physical evidence, that has not yet been lost or compromised. As in other states, Louisiana criminal statute of limitations laws allow longer periods of time to file for rape, crimes against children, and other offenses where victims may not report the crime until years later.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Louisiana
Learn about Louisiana's criminal statute of limitation laws and related matters in the sections below.
State | Louisiana |
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Topic | Criminal statute of limitations |
Definition | A statute of limitations tells you the time frame when the prosecution must bring a charge for a crime. |
Code Sections | Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure articles 571 to 576 |
Felonies |
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Misdemeanors |
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Crimes in Which a Child Is a Victim |
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Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run | The statute of limitations does not run when you:
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Other |
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Note: Because state laws change regularly, it's important to verify the laws you're researching by conducting your own legal research or contacting a knowledgeable Louisiana defense attorney.
Research the Law
- Louisiana Law
- Official State Codes - Links to the official online statutes (laws) in all 50 states and D.C.
Louisiana Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws: Related Resources
Criminal charges are a very serious matter, and criminal statutes can vary depending on the crime and on the jurisdiction. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, you can contact a Louisiana criminal defense attorney in your area to schedule a consultation. You can also visit FindLaw's Criminal Law Basics for more introductory information on this topic.
Are You a Suspect in a Criminal Case? Get Legal Help Today
Louisiana's statute of limitations laws can greatly impact your criminal case. Since the timelines can be difficult to follow, you should seek help from an experienced attorney who can apply their expertise of criminal law to the details of your case. Get started today by speaking with a Louisiana criminal defense attorney near you.
Next Steps: Search for a Local Attorney
Contact a qualified attorney.