How Long They Have To Charge You
G.L. c. 277, § 63 — 6 years for most crimes, and no limit for murder
| Offense | Indictment or complaint found and filed |
|---|---|
| OffenseMurder | Indictment or complaint found and filedAt any time after the death |
| OffenseThe listed sexual offenses against children and others | Indictment or complaint found and filedAt any time, but after 27 years with independent corroborating evidence |
| OffenseThe offenses the section lists for 15 years | Indictment or complaint found and filedWithin 15 years |
| OffenseThe offenses the section lists for 10 years | Indictment or complaint found and filedWithin 10 years |
| OffenseAny other crime | Indictment or complaint found and filedWithin 6 years |
Time out of state. Any period during which the defendant is not usually and publicly a resident within the commonwealth is excluded in counting the time.
A victim under 16. For the listed offenses against a victim under 16, the period does not begin until the victim turns 16 or the violation is reported to law enforcement, whichever is earlier.
Other sections, and how courts read these words, are not on this page. Whether a charge is still within time in a particular case is a question for a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 277, § 63 — Time limits for criminal prosecutions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.