Statute of Limitations Halts Sexual Assault Prosecution in Some States

Why it matters locally: The legal deadlines for prosecuting sexual assault cases vary by state, directly impacting the ability of law enforcement agencies like the Richland County Sheriff's Department and the Horry County Police Department to pursue charges in South Carolina.

Law enforcement agencies in several U.S. states encounter situations where they identify a suspect in a sexual assault case but cannot pursue prosecution due to the expiration of the state's statute of limitations. This legal deadline establishes the maximum time after an event during which legal proceedings can be initiated. After this specific period passes, authorities lose the ability to file criminal charges for the sexual assault, regardless of evidence or the identification of a perpetrator. State laws vary concerning the length of these statutes of limitations for sexual assault offenses.