What is the statute of limitations for 3rd or 4th degree felony?

• A. No statute
• B. 6 years
• C. 5 years
• D. 2 years

Answer: (C)

The key idea is how long the government can bring charges for a felony before the case becomes time-barred. For mid-range felonies, the statute of limitations is typically five years. That means prosecutors generally must file charges within five years of the alleged offense, unless a tolling rule applies (for example, if the defendant is out of state or if the victim is a minor and specific rules apply). After five years, charges for these offenses are usually barred, absent an exception.

Two years is usually associated with many misdemeanors, not felonies, so it doesn’t fit. Six years would correspond to a different category in some jurisdictions, and no statute applies only to certain particularly serious offenses (like murder) rather than to third- or fourth-degree felonies. Hence five years is the correct standard for these offenses.