Statute of Limitations Halts Sexual Assault Prosecution in Some States

Why it matters locally: Texas's statute of limitations for sexual assault cases varies by offense type, with the most common being 10 years, meaning some cases in the state could be impacted by this legal deadline.

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.