Which offense category has a six-year statute of limitations?

• A. Capital felony
• B. 2nd degree felony
• C. Misdemeanor
• D. Petty misdemeanor

Answer: (B)

Statute of limitations are time limits for filing charges that grow with the seriousness of the offense. More serious crimes often have longer limits, and the most serious felonies (capital felonies) may have no time limit at all. Misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors typically have shorter periods.

Six years is a common window for charging a mid-range felony, i.e., a second-degree felony. That’s why this category fits the six-year limit: it’s serious enough to warrant a longer period than lesser offenses, but not so severe as to exceed the limits set for most felonies or to have no limit. The clock generally starts at the offense date (or discovery, depending on the jurisdiction) and can be tolled in certain circumstances.