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    PolkaDotPanda's Avatar
    PolkaDotPanda Posts: 17, Reputation: 2
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    #1

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:49 AM
    Is there a Statute of Limitations on charging someone with child molestation?
    Someone asked me this question today while looking at notifications for sex offenders online: If someone was molested as a child and the person who did it was never caught at the time, is there an SOL if the victim (now grown) wants to pursue getting the guy charged with anything?
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #2

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:52 AM
    Where?
    PolkaDotPanda's Avatar
    PolkaDotPanda Posts: 17, Reputation: 2
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    #3

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:53 AM
    Alabama, but I'm not sure if the person asking meant in this state. I think they used to live in Florida.
    smoothy's Avatar
    smoothy Posts: 25,490, Reputation: 2853
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    #4

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:53 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by PolkaDotPanda View Post
    Someone asked me this question today while looking at notifications for sex offenders online: If someone was molested as a child and the person who did it was never caught at the time, is there an SOL if the victim (now grown) wants to pursue getting the guy charged with anything?
    Don't believe so... however it takes a lot more than a word of someone and an old memory that after a lot of years may or may not be what actually happened.

    Accusing someone isn't convicting them... and you could be held liable if you can't convince a Judge and Jury if it makes it that far...

    And the more time that passes the more difficult it will be to prove the claims.
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #5

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:53 AM
    In NY it's the age of majority of the child PLUS 5 years or a total or a total of victim's age, 23.
    Fr_Chuck's Avatar
    Fr_Chuck Posts: 81,301, Reputation: 7692
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    #6

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:56 AM
    Yes in most states there is a SOL, and in most it will deal with a number of years past age of consent or a specific age 18 to 21.

    They will need to talk to the DA in the specific county in the specific state where it happened. I will be honest, with no proof unless there is other history of same crimes, it is doubtful the report will go anywhere
    JudyKayTee's Avatar
    JudyKayTee Posts: 46,503, Reputation: 4600
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    #7

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:57 AM
    Florida law changed in 2010 - Florida House Bill 525 (which was signed by the Governor and made into Law) eliminated any/all criminal and/or civil claims relating to children under the age of 16. I do not find that it has been revoked or amended.

    In brief, there is no time frame in Florida within abuse must be reported or within which suit must be filed.

    BUT - I do agree with Smoothy. Years later proof is difficult to come by.
    PolkaDotPanda's Avatar
    PolkaDotPanda Posts: 17, Reputation: 2
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    #8

    Jun 11, 2012, 08:58 AM
    Thank you all for answering. I'm not sure if the one who asked me was actually a victim or just asking a hypothetical question.
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