How Long They Have to Charge You
Utah Code 76-1-302 — four years for a felony, two for a misdemeanor, one for an infraction
| Offense | Prosecution commenced within |
|---|---|
| OffenseA felony, or negligent homicide | Prosecution commenced withinFour years after it is committed |
| OffenseA misdemeanor | Prosecution commenced withinTwo years after it is committed |
| OffenseAn infraction | Prosecution commenced withinOne year after it is committed |
Who handles this in Utah: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Utah directory.
- Some offenses have longer periods of their own, and an offense whose unknown offender DNA evidence would later identify may be prosecuted at any time.
- Forcible sexual abuse and incest may be prosecuted within eight years when reported to police within four years.
A capital felony, aggravated murder and murder may be prosecuted at any time.
Sources for this section (2)
- Utah Code 76-1-302 — Time limitations for prosecution of offenses -- Specific exceptions -- Provisions if DNA evidence would identify the defendant -- Commencement of prosecution
- Utah Code 76-1-301 — Offenses for which prosecution may be commenced at any time
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Utah attorney.