Is there a statue of limitations for sex offense in Maryland.

Statute of Limitations

Maryland Criminal Prosecutions

Citation: Courts & Judicial Pro. Code § 5-106

Generally, the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor is a period within 1 year after commission of the offense.

For felony offenses please check with the District Attorney's office in your area. The statute of limitations is not clearly defined in the information available to us. This could mean the laws are under review for revisions.

Maryland Civil Actions

Citation: Courts & Judicial Pro. Code §§ 5-101; 5-117; 5-201

• The statute of limitations for filing a claim for sexual abuse, where the victim is a minor, extends for a period within 7 years after the victim reaches 18 years of age.
• The statute of limitations will not begin for a victim who is a minor until he or she reaches 18 years of age, unless the statute of limitations has more than 3 years to run once the victim reaches 18 years of age.
• Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a civil claim is a period within 3 years after the cause of action arises.