How Long They Have To Charge You
ORS 131.125 — six months for a violation, two years for a misdemeanor, three for most felonies
| Offense | Prosecution begun within |
|---|---|
| OffenseA violation | Prosecution begun withinSix months |
| OffenseA misdemeanor | Prosecution begun withinTwo years |
| OffenseMost felonies | Prosecution begun withinThree years |
| OffenseArson, in any degree | Prosecution begun withinSix years |
| OffenseFirst degree theft, robbery, forgery or identity theft against a victim 65 years of age or older | Prosecution begun withinSix years |
| OffenseMurder, aggravated murder or manslaughter | Prosecution begun withinAny time |
Some sex offenses run 20 years, or longer where the victim was under 18, and the section lists others with their own periods.
Where fraud or breach of a fiduciary duty is an element, a prosecution may begin within one year after discovery, but never more than three years past the ordinary limit.
Sources for this section (1)
- ORS 131.125 — Time limitations
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Oregon attorney.