Ohio Statute of Limitations

Whether you’re facing criminal charges, dealing with old debt, or simply trying to understand your legal rights, Ohio law sets strict deadlines for how long a case can be filed. These legal time limits, known as statutes of limitations, vary depending on the offense. From minor misdemeanors and unpaid credit cards to serious felonies, knowing how long prosecutors or creditors must take action can protect you from unexpected legal trouble. In this guide, we’ll break down Ohio’s most common statutes of limitations and the key exceptions that could pause the clock.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

Whether you’re facing criminal charges, dealing with old debt, or simply trying to understand your legal rights, Ohio law sets strict deadlines for how long a case can be filed. These legal time limits, known as statutes of limitations, vary depending on the offense. From minor misdemeanors and unpaid credit cards to serious felonies, knowing how long prosecutors or creditors must take action can protect you from unexpected legal trouble. In this guide, we’ll break down Ohio’s most common statutes of limitations and the key exceptions that could pause the clock.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for prosecutors to bring charges against someone. After charges are filed, Ohio law requires the prosecutor to begin a case within a specified time, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Crimes are organized into categories, including felonies, misdemeanors, and special offenses without a statute of limitations. 

In Ohio, a few serious crimes don’t have a statute of limitations, which means charges can be brought forth at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the offense. These cases include aggravated murder, murder, and rape with certain conditions if the identity of the offender is established through DNA testing).

Common Ohio Statute of Limitations

Ohio’s statute of limitations varies based on the type and severity of the offense. Below is a breakdown of the most common time limits for criminal cases in the state:

Felonies

A majority of felonies have a 6-year statute of limitations period in Ohio. Here are the specific time limits for major crimes: None Murder/aggravated murder 20 Years Rape Sexual battery Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor Human trafficking (involving minors) Voluntary/involuntary manslaughter Kidnapping Prostitution Robbery/burglary Aggravated arson Terrorism/terroristic threats Aggravated riot Felonious assault/aggravated assault of a peace officer Gross sexual imposition 6 Years Felony drug offenses (may vary by charge) 4–7 Years Fraud/breach of fiduciary duty

Misdemeanors

The statute of limitations in Ohio for most misdemeanors is two years. Traffic-related offenses and other minor misdemeanors have a six-month time limit.

 

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in Ohio

While Ohio sets specific time limits for prosecuting crimes, several vital exceptions can pause (or “toll”) the statute of limitations. These exceptions ensure that offenders can still be held accountable when timely prosecution is impossible.

The accused is out of state: If the accused individual leaves Ohio or conceals their whereabouts to avoid prosecution, the statute of limitations may be paused until they return or are located. This prevents someone from evading justice simply by crossing state lines.

The crime involves fraud or concealment: The statute of limitations may be extended in cases involving fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or other deceptive conduct. The clock typically starts once the crime is discovered or should reasonably have been discovered, rather than when it occurred.

Crimes against minors: For certain offenses committed against children or within the home, such as domestic violence or sexual crimes, the statute of limitations may be delayed until the victim reaches the age of 18. In some cases—such as rape, gross sexual imposition, or unlawful sexual conduct with a minor—the law allows for a 20-year statute of limitations starting at age 18, or an extension if DNA evidence becomes available.

Crimes with DNA evidence: If DNA evidence later identifies a suspect, the statute of limitations in Ohio may be extended or lifted, even if the original time limit has expired. This exception is significant in sexual assault and homicide cases where new forensic technology links a perpetrator to the crime scene.

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Ohio

In Ohio, the statute of limitations limits how long a creditor can legally sue a debtor to collect an unpaid debt. Once the time limit expires, the creditor can no longer take legal action in court, though they may attempt to collect the debt informally. Here are the key time limits for common debts in Ohio:

Written Contracts	8 years
Oral Contracts	6 years
Promissory Notes (e.g., personal loans)	6 years
Auto Loans	4–6 years, depending on contract type
Credit Card Debt	6 years (based on written contract law)
Medical Debt	6 years

 

The statute of limitations for debt in Ohio typically begins on the date of the last payment or the date the account became delinquent. If you pay or acknowledge the debt in writing after the deadline has passed, you may restart the clock—this is called reviving the statute of limitations.

If time runs out and the statute of limitations expires, the following happens: 

• The creditor cannot sue you to collect the debt.
• You can use the expired statute as a legal defense in court if they attempt to sue.

The debt may still appear on your credit report for up to 7 years, depending on the type.

How to Know If You’re Still Within the Legal Time Limit

Determining whether you’re still within the statute of limitations for a case in Ohio isn’t always straightforward. Time limits vary based on the type and severity of the offense, whether it’s a misdemeanor, felony, or civil claim like debt or personal injury. To avoid missing your opportunity or facing charges when you thought you were in the clear, it’s essential to understand how these deadlines apply to your specific situation.

Here are a few key steps to help you find out:

• Know the clock start date: This is usually when the crime or injury occurred, the last payment was made, or the claim was discovered.
• Identify the case type: Is it a misdemeanor, felony, or civil matter like a contract dispute or medical debt?
• Check for exceptions: Tolling may apply if the accused left the state, the victim was a minor, or the offense wasn’t immediately discoverable.
• Refer to the Ohio Revised Code: Criminal statutes are primarily covered under § 2901.13; civil deadlines vary by claim type.

Consult a qualified attorney: Laws change, and specific circumstances affect deadlines. Attorneys like the Columbus-based team at Jay Perez Law can clarify and ensure you act within the legal timeframe.

Know Your Legal Window—And Don’t Miss It

Understanding the statute of limitations in Ohio is crucial, whether you’re facing charges, considering legal action, or simply trying to protect your rights. These deadlines vary depending on the type of offense, the circumstances involved, and any exceptions that may apply. Waiting too long could mean losing your opportunity for justice—or your chance at a fair defense.

If you’re unsure whether your case falls within the legal time limits, don’t guess. Jay Perez Law is here to help. Our experienced criminal defense team understands the complexities of Ohio law and can guide you through your options with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Contact us today to get the support and answers you need.