2025 Session Last amended: 2025 session

§ 628.26 — Limitations

Plain-Language Summary

This section sets time limits for when criminal charges must be filed. Murder and kidnapping have no time limit. Sex crimes and trafficking have no time limit. Arson has a 10-year limit. Some theft and fraud crimes have 5 or 6 years. Most other crimes have a 3-year limit. Time spent outside Minnesota or in a pretrial diversion program does not count toward the deadline.

Practical Notes
Statutes of limitations are critical in criminal defense. If the state files charges after the deadline, the case can be dismissed. Key exceptions: there is no time limit for crimes causing death, kidnapping, sex trafficking, and criminal sexual conduct. Time a defendant spends living outside Minnesota pauses the clock.