Are there exceptions to the statute of limitations for forgery cases?

Full question:

Are there any exceptions to the Statute of Limitations? I have original documents in my possession and located recorded county documents proving a mortgage loan officer committed over one thousand forgeries between 1995 and 2005. Ninety-five percent of the forgeries committed by this person are confirmed by the victims in each case. I would like to know if there is any way possible this person could still be held accountable for each and every forgery count committed regardless of the three year "Statute of Limitations" having expired in all but five recently committed forgery counts.

• Category: Courts
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Washington

Answer:

In Washington, there are some exceptions that can toll, or pause, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit. Here are the relevant statutes:

• RCW 4.16.180: If the person responsible for the forgery is out of state or concealing themselves, the statute of limitations may be extended until they return or are no longer concealed.
• RCW 4.16.190: If the victim was under eighteen, incompetent, or disabled at the time the forgery occurred, the time limit for filing may be extended.
• RCW 4.16.200: If the person entitled to bring the action dies before the statute of limitations expires, their representatives can file within one year of the death.
• RCW 4.16.220: If the person is in military service, the statute of limitations may be suspended.
• RCW 4.16.230: If there are judicial proceedings that stay the action, the time of the stay does not count against the statute of limitations.

For your situation, if the mortgage loan officer was out of state or concealed themselves during the time of the forgeries, this could potentially extend the time you have to file a lawsuit. However, if the statute of limitations has expired for the majority of the cases, it may be difficult to hold them accountable for those forgeries.