Old Debts And Time Limits
G.S. 1-52 — three years on a contract, and 10 on a judgment
| Claim | Time to sue |
|---|---|
| ClaimA contract, express or implied | Time to sueThree years |
| ClaimTaking, keeping or damaging personal property | Time to sueThree years |
| ClaimMost other injuries to a person or their rights, not arising from a contract | Time to sueThree years |
| ClaimA court judgment | Time to sue10 years from its entry |
| ClaimA sealed instrument | Time to sue10 years |
In North Carolina, a claim for personal injury or physical damage to property does not accrue until the harm becomes apparent or ought reasonably to have become apparent, but no such claim accrues more than 10 years after the defendant's last act or omission that gave rise to it.
Most misdemeanors: two years to charge. Most misdemeanors, other than malicious misdemeanors, are charged within two years after they are committed, and not afterward. Certain misdemeanors the section lists may be charged within 10 years.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.S. 1-52 — Three year limitations
- G.S. 1-47 — Ten year limitations
- G.S. 15-1 — Statute of limitations for misdemeanors
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.