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Speak Up! - View Question #225 |
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Question: If someone commits a crime when they are 15 and they weren't charged could they be charged when they turn 18?
Answer: Arizona Law sets limits on how long can pass before someone can be prosecuted for a criminal act (ARS 13-107). This type of law is commonly called the Statute of Limitations.
Generally, the Statute of Limitations begins when the authorities discover that a crime has been committed (not when the crime is actually committed or when the authorities find out who committed it). There is no Statute of Limitations on homicides or murder, and if the crime has been defined as 'serious' (murder, sex assault, assault w/ a deadly weapon, arson, armed robbery, etc...) then the Statute of Limitations does not run until the identity of the person who committed the crime is known.
If a crime committed is a felony, then the statute of limitations is seven (7) years. If the crime is a misdemeanor, then the statute of limitations is one (1) year.
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