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What is the statute of limitations for child molestation cases?

What is the statute of limitations for child molestation cases?

Full question:

What is the statute of limitations for child molestation?

Category: Criminal
Subcategory: child molestation
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, a prosecution for certain offenses, including child molestation, must begin before the alleged victim turns thirty-one (31) years old. The relevant offenses are:

Child molesting (IC 35-42-4-3(a))
Vicarious sexual gratification (IC 35-42-4-5)
Child solicitation (IC 35-42-4-6)
Child seduction (IC 35-42-4-7)
Incest (IC 35-46-1-3)

After the victim reaches this age, the prosecution is barred.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How long after a crime can you be charged in the US?

The time frame for charging someone after a crime varies by state and the type of crime. Most states have a statute of limitations ranging from one to several years. For serious crimes like murder, there may be no statute of limitations, allowing charges to be filed at any time. In Indiana, for child molestation cases, the prosecution must begin before the victim turns thirty-one (31) years old. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What crimes have no statute of limitations in the US?

In the U.S., certain serious crimes typically have no statute of limitations, meaning charges can be filed at any time. These often include murder, war crimes, and some sexual offenses, such as child molestation in some states. However, the specifics can vary by state. In Indiana, for child molestation, charges must be filed before the victim turns thirty-one (31) years old. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

What states have no statute of limitations?

Some states do not impose a statute of limitations for certain serious crimes, such as murder and sexual offenses. For example, in Indiana, there is no statute of limitations for murder, but for child molestation, charges must be filed before the victim turns thirty-one (31) years old. Always check specific state laws, as they can vary significantly. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*

Does every state have a statute of limitations?

Yes, every state has a statute of limitations for most crimes, which sets a time limit for prosecuting offenses. However, the length of time varies by state and the type of crime. Some serious crimes, like murder, may not have a statute of limitations. In Indiana, for child molestation, the prosecution must begin before the victim turns thirty-one (31) years old. *Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.*