How Long They Have To Charge You
Idaho Code § 19-402 and Idaho Code § 19-403 — five years for most felonies, one year for most misdemeanors, and none for murder
| The crime | Charged within |
|---|---|
| The crimeMost felonies | Charged withinFive years |
| The crimeMost misdemeanors | Charged withinOne year |
| The crimeFailing to report child abuse | Charged withinFour years |
| The crimeA misdemeanor dismissed for delay, refiled | Charged withinTwo years after the dismissal |
No limit at all. Murder, voluntary manslaughter, most rape, sexual abuse and lewd conduct with a child, producing child sexual exploitation material, and terrorism may be charged at any time.
A prosecution begins when the complaint is filed or the indictment is found. A particular case is a question for a licensed Idaho attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- Idaho Code § 19-401 — No statute of limitations for certain felonies
- Idaho Code § 19-402 — Commencement of prosecutions for felonies
- Idaho Code § 19-403 — Misdemeanors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Idaho attorney.