How Long They Have To Charge You
MCL 767.24 — 6 years as the rule, 10 for the listed violent crimes, none for murder
In Michigan, an indictment for murder, conspiracy or solicitation to commit murder, first degree criminal sexual conduct, and the listed offenses punishable by life imprisonment may be found and filed at any time. All other indictments may be found and filed within 6 years after the offense is committed, unless the section sets a different period.
| Offense | Limit |
|---|---|
| OffenseMurder and the other offenses listed above | LimitAny time |
| OffenseThe listed human trafficking offenses | Limit25 years |
| OffenseSecond and third degree criminal sexual conduct | Limit15 years, or the victim's forty-second birthday, whichever is later |
| OffenseKidnapping, extortion, attempted murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, first degree home invasion | Limit10 years |
| OffenseIdentity theft | Limit6 years |
| OffenseAll other offenses | Limit6 years |
Time during which the person charged did not usually and publicly reside in the state does not count. Where DNA from an unidentified person is found, several periods run from identification instead, as the section sets out. Whether an indictment was timely is a question for a court and for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- MCL 767.24 — Limitation periods for indictments
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.