Number: RL31253
Title: Statutes of Limitation in Federal Criminal Cases: An Overview
Authors: Charles Doyle, American Law Division 
Abstract: Federal statutes of limitation are as old as federal crimes. When the Founders assembled in the First Congress, they passed not only the first federal criminal laws but made prosecution under those laws subject to specific statutes of limitation. Similar provisions continue to this day. Federal capital offenses may be prosecuted at any time, but unless some more specific arrangement has been made a general five year statute of limitations covers all other federal crimes. Some of the exceptions to the general rule, like those of the USA PATRIOT Act, identify longer periods for particular crimes. Others suspend or extend the applicable period under certain circumstances such as the flight of the accused, or during time of war.
Pages: 30
Date: April 9, 2007