Criminal Statute of Limitations

• Maine criminal law states that class A (murder, rape or kidnapping), class B (aggravated assault, sexual crimes and burglary) and class C (perjury, forgery, embezzlement) offenses must be prosecuted before six years have passed between the occurrence of the crime and the filing of the prosecution papers. Class D (reckless conduct, drug crime) or class E (minor crime) offenses must be prosecuted within three years of the alleged occurrence of the crime.
  
  The time period in these guidelines can be temporary halted subject to certain circumstances. For instance, if the offender leaves Maine between the time of the crime and the prosecution then up to five years of that time does not count against the limitation. The limitation can also be pushed back if the accused is prosecuted for the same type of crime during the period of time between the original crime's occurrence and the limitation.
  
  

Criminal Offences not Subject to Limitation

• The state of Maine criminal code contains an exemption that dictates certain crimes are not subject to any limitation on the amount of time during which the alleged crime can be prosecuted. This includes the crime of murder or homicide in either the first or second degree. Sexual crimes against minors who are under the age of 16 are also exempted from the limitation laws and can be prosecuted at any time after their alleged occurrence.
  
  

Six Year Civil Statute of Limitations

• Maine law also establishes a time limitation during which civil cases can be tried in court. Title 14 of the state statutes states that many civil actions related to contracts must occur within six years after the occurrence of the cause for the case has taken place. For example, it will likely be difficult to bring a claim against someone for breaking a contract or for not paying his bills if the offending event took place over six years ago.
  
  

Two Year Criminal/Civil Statute of Limitations

• Maine residents are also allowed to bring a civil action against those who perpetrated a crime against them. Maine law allows the plaintiffs in actions for the award of monetary damages as a result of assault and battery, false imprisonment, slander or libel to take civil action provided their case is filed within two years.