Statute of Limitations in Maryland

The statutes of limitations differ for criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits. If a statute of limitations expires, a defendant cannot be tried in criminal court and a plaintiff cannot seek damages in civil court.

Misdemeanors

In Maryland, criminal statutes of limitations are set forth in Sections 5-106 and 5-107 of the Courts and Judicial Procedures law. Misdemeanors that are punishable by jail time have no statute of limitations and can be prosecuted any time. Other misdemeanors have a statute of limitations of one year.

Felonies

Most felonies have a statute of limitations of three years. Some offenses, including violations of election laws and offenses committed by a state official, have a two-year statute of limitations. There is a one-year statute of limitations for libel, slander and assault. Murder does not have a statute of limitations and charges can be filed at any time.

Civil

When a person suffers an injury, physical or financial, he has a limited period of time to file a civil lawsuit for damages. The shortest statute of limitations is one year for personal injury claims from intentional torts, including assault, battery and false imprisonment. Defamation, libel and slander actions also have a statute of limitations of one year. All other civil actions, including negligence, products liability, fraud and breach of contract, must be brought within three years of occurrence.