How Long They Have To Charge You
RCW 9A.04.080 — three years for most felonies, two for a gross misdemeanor, one for a misdemeanor
In Washington, prosecutions for criminal offenses may not be commenced after the periods the section prescribes.
| Offense | Limit |
|---|---|
| OffenseMurder, homicide by abuse, vehicular homicide, a fatal hit and run, and listed sexual offenses against children | LimitAny time |
| OffenseRape in the first or second degree and indecent liberties, where not listed above | Limit20 years |
| OffenseArson with no death, attempted murder, a felony by a public officer in office, and others listed | Limit10 years |
| OffenseAny other felony | Limitthree years |
| OffenseA gross misdemeanor, apart from the listed exception | Limittwo years |
| OffenseA misdemeanor | Limitone year |
The periods do not run while the person charged is not usually and publicly resident in the state. For sex offenses, the period runs from the offense or four years from identification by DNA or photograph, whichever is later. Other particular periods are in the section and are not reproduced here. Whether a prosecution was timely is a question for a court and for a licensed Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- RCW 9A.04.080 — Limitation of actions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.