{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/19.2-8.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/19.2-8.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/19.2-8.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/19.2-8.html"}],"law_id":71434,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71434,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-8","catch_line":"Limitation of prosecutions","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 19.1-8; 1960, c. 366; 1974, c. 466; 1975, c. 495; 1976, cc. 114, 620; 1977, c. 108; 1978, c. 730; 1979, c. 243; 1980, c. 496; 1981, c. 31; 1984, c. 601; 1987, c. 488; 1990, cc. 575, 976; 1992, cc. 177, 435, 650; 1996, c. 484; 1998, c. 566; 1999, c. 620; 2005, cc. 746, 761, 827; 2006, cc. 193, 787, 892; 2008, c. 769; 2011, cc. 118, 143, 494, 553; 2014, c. 169; 2015, c. 176; 2016, cc. 233, 253; 2017, c. 667; 2018, c. 549; 2020, cc. 277, 1122; 2022, c. 110; 2024, c. 697.","full_text":"A prosecution for a misdemeanor, or any pecuniary fine, forfeiture, penalty or amercement, shall be commenced within one year next after there was cause therefor, except that a prosecution for petit larceny may be commenced within five years, and for an attempt to produce abortion, within two years after commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-3904 shall be commenced within two years of the discovery of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for violation of laws governing the placement of children for adoption without a license pursuant to \u00a7 63.2-1701 shall be commenced within one year from the date of the filing of the petition for adoption.\n\t\tA prosecution for making a false statement or representation of a material fact knowing it to be false or knowingly failing to disclose a material fact, to obtain or increase any benefit or other payment under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act (\u00a7 60.2-100 et seq.) shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of \u00a7 10.1-1320, 62.1-44.32 (b), 62.1-194.1, or Article 11 (\u00a7 62.1-44.34:14 et seq.) of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 that involves the discharge, dumping or emission of any toxic substance as defined in \u00a7 32.1-239 shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of Building Code violations under \u00a7 36-106 shall commence within one year of discovery of the offense by the building official, provided that such discovery occurs within two years of the date of initial occupancy or use after construction of the building or structure, or the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy for the building or structure, whichever is later. However, prosecutions under \u00a7 36-106 relating to the maintenance of existing buildings or structures as contained in the Uniform Statewide Building Code shall commence within one year of the issuance of a notice of violation for the offense by the building official.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-111 shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of any professional licensure requirement imposed by a locality shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of nonfelonious offenses which constitute malfeasance in office shall commence within two years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution for a violation for which a penalty is provided for by \u00a7 55.1-1989 shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of illegal sales or purchases of wild birds, wild animals and freshwater fish under \u00a7 29.1-553 shall commence within three years after commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of violations under Title 58.1 for offenses involving false or fraudulent statements, documents or returns, or for the offense of willfully attempting in any manner to evade or defeat any tax or the payment thereof, or for the offense of willfully failing to pay any tax, or willfully failing to make any return at the time or times required by law or regulations shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense, unless a longer period is otherwise prescribed.\n\t\tProsecution of violations of subsection A or B of \u00a7 3.2-6570 shall commence within five years of the commission of the offense, except violations regarding agricultural animals shall commence within one year of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for a misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 18.2-386.1 or 18.2-386.2 shall be commenced within five years of the commission of the offense or within one year of the date the victim discovers the offense or, by the exercise of due diligence, reasonably should have discovered the offense, whichever is later.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, Chapter 9.3 (\u00a7 24.2-945 et seq.) of Title 24.2, shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense but in no case more than three years after the date of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution of a crime that is punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to the Virginia Computer Crimes Act (\u00a7 18.2-152.1 et seq.) or pursuant to \u00a7 18.2-186.3 for identity theft shall be commenced before the earlier of (i) five years after the commission of the last act in the course of conduct constituting a violation of the article or (ii) one year after the existence of the illegal act and the identity of the offender are discovered by the Commonwealth, by the owner, or by anyone else who is damaged by such violation.\n\t\tA prosecution of a misdemeanor under \u00a7 18.2-64.2, 18.2-67.4, 18.2-67.4:1, 18.2-67.4:2, 18.2-67.5, or 18.2-370.6 or clause (ii) of \u00a7 18.2-371 where the victim is a minor at the time of the offense shall be commenced no later than one year after the victim reaches majority, unless the alleged offender of such offense was an adult and more than three years older than the victim at the time of the offense, in which instance such prosecution shall be commenced no later than five years after the victim reaches majority.\n\t\tA prosecution for a violation of \u00a7 18.2-260.1 shall be commenced within three years of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any person fleeing from justice or concealing himself within or without the Commonwealth to avoid arrest or be construed to limit the time within which any prosecution may be commenced for desertion of a spouse or child or for neglect or refusal or failure to provide for the support and maintenance of a spouse or child.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":257528,"text":"A prosecution for a misdemeanor, or any pecuniary fine, forfeiture, penalty or amercement, shall be commenced within one year next after there was cause therefor, except that a prosecution for petit larceny may be commenced within five years, and for an attempt to produce abortion, within two years after commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-3904 shall be commenced within two years of the discovery of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for violation of laws governing the placement of children for adoption without a license pursuant to \u00a7 63.2-1701 shall be commenced within one year from the date of the filing of the petition for adoption.\n\t\tA prosecution for making a false statement or representation of a material fact knowing it to be false or knowingly failing to disclose a material fact, to obtain or increase any benefit or other payment under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act (\u00a7 60.2-100 et seq.) shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of \u00a7 10.1-1320, 62.1-44.32 (b), 62.1-194.1, or Article 11 (\u00a7 62.1-44.34:14 et seq.) of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 that involves the discharge, dumping or emission of any toxic substance as defined in \u00a7 32.1-239 shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of Building Code violations under \u00a7 36-106 shall commence within one year of discovery of the offense by the building official, provided that such discovery occurs within two years of the date of initial occupancy or use after construction of the building or structure, or the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy for the building or structure, whichever is later. However, prosecutions under \u00a7 36-106 relating to the maintenance of existing buildings or structures as contained in the Uniform Statewide Building Code shall commence within one year of the issuance of a notice of violation for the offense by the building official.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-111 shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of any professional licensure requirement imposed by a locality shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of nonfelonious offenses which constitute malfeasance in office shall commence within two years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution for a violation for which a penalty is provided for by \u00a7 55.1-1989 shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of illegal sales or purchases of wild birds, wild animals and freshwater fish under \u00a7 29.1-553 shall commence within three years after commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of violations under Title 58.1 for offenses involving false or fraudulent statements, documents or returns, or for the offense of willfully attempting in any manner to evade or defeat any tax or the payment thereof, or for the offense of willfully failing to pay any tax, or willfully failing to make any return at the time or times required by law or regulations shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense, unless a longer period is otherwise prescribed.\n\t\tProsecution of violations of subsection A or B of \u00a7 3.2-6570 shall commence within five years of the commission of the offense, except violations regarding agricultural animals shall commence within one year of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for a misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 18.2-386.1 or 18.2-386.2 shall be commenced within five years of the commission of the offense or within one year of the date the victim discovers the offense or, by the exercise of due diligence, reasonably should have discovered the offense, whichever is later.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, Chapter 9.3 (\u00a7 24.2-945 et seq.) of Title 24.2, shall commence within one year of the discovery of the offense but in no case more than three years after the date of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution of a crime that is punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to the Virginia Computer Crimes Act (\u00a7 18.2-152.1 et seq.) or pursuant to \u00a7 18.2-186.3 for identity theft shall be commenced before the earlier of (i) five years after the commission of the last act in the course of conduct constituting a violation of the article or (ii) one year after the existence of the illegal act and the identity of the offender are discovered by the Commonwealth, by the owner, or by anyone else who is damaged by such violation.\n\t\tA prosecution of a misdemeanor under \u00a7 18.2-64.2, 18.2-67.4, 18.2-67.4:1, 18.2-67.4:2, 18.2-67.5, or 18.2-370.6 or clause (ii) of \u00a7 18.2-371 where the victim is a minor at the time of the offense shall be commenced no later than one year after the victim reaches majority, unless the alleged offender of such offense was an adult and more than three years older than the victim at the time of the offense, in which instance such prosecution shall be commenced no later than five years after the victim reaches majority.\n\t\tA prosecution for a violation of \u00a7 18.2-260.1 shall be commenced within three years of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any person fleeing from justice or concealing himself within or without the Commonwealth to avoid arrest or be construed to limit the time within which any prosecution may be commenced for desertion of a spouse or child or for neglect or refusal or failure to provide for the support and maintenance of a spouse or child.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14432,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12801,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:07","permalink":{"id":168171,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14432,"identifier":"1","token":"19.2\/1","url":"\/19.2\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12801,"edition_id":1,"name":"Criminal Procedure","identifier":"19.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:53","permalink":{"id":168169,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12801,"identifier":"19.2","token":"19.2","url":"\/19.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":63715,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-1","catch_line":"Repealing clause","url":"\/19.2-1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-1","metadata":false},{"id":85785,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-10","catch_line":"Outlawry abolished","url":"\/19.2-10\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-10","metadata":false},{"id":55795,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-10.1","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Subpoena duces tecum for obtaining records concerning banking and credit cards","url":"\/19.2-10.1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-10.1","metadata":false},{"id":87357,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-10.2","catch_line":"Administrative subpoena issued for record from provider of electronic communication service or remote computing service","url":"\/19.2-10.2\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-10.2","metadata":false},{"id":80864,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-10.3","catch_line":"Reasonable suspicion required to stop, board, or inspect a noncommercial vessel on navigable waters of the Commonwealth","url":"\/19.2-10.3\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-10.3","metadata":false},{"id":74594,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-10.4","catch_line":"Subpoena duces tecum; attorney-issued subpoena duces tecum","url":"\/19.2-10.4\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-10.4","metadata":false},{"id":84111,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-11","catch_line":"Procedure in contempt cases","url":"\/19.2-11\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-11","metadata":false},{"id":83936,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-2","catch_line":"Effect of repeal of Title 19.1 and enactment of this title","url":"\/19.2-2\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-2","metadata":false},{"id":58240,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-3","catch_line":"Certain notices, recognizances and processes validated","url":"\/19.2-3\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-3","metadata":false},{"id":84637,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-3.1","catch_line":"Personal appearance by two-way electronic video and audio communication; standards","url":"\/19.2-3.1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-3.1","metadata":false},{"id":70830,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-4","catch_line":"References to former sections, articles or chapters of Titles 18.1 and 19.1","url":"\/19.2-4\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-4","metadata":false},{"id":67384,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-5","catch_line":"Meaning of certain terms","url":"\/19.2-5\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-5","metadata":false},{"id":87210,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-6","catch_line":"Appointive power of circuit courts","url":"\/19.2-6\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-6","metadata":false},{"id":63248,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-7","catch_line":"Rewards for arrest of persons convicted of or charged with offenses; rewards for conviction of unknown offenders","url":"\/19.2-7\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-7","metadata":false},{"id":71434,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-8","catch_line":"Limitation of prosecutions","url":"\/19.2-8\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-8","metadata":false},{"id":87384,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-8.1","catch_line":"Prosecution for murder or manslaughter; passage of time not a limitation","url":"\/19.2-8.1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-8.1","metadata":false},{"id":66117,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-9","catch_line":"Prosecution of certain criminal cases removed from state to federal courts; costs","url":"\/19.2-9\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-9","metadata":false},{"id":56249,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-9.1","catch_line":"Written notice required for complaining witness who is requested to take polygraph test","url":"\/19.2-9.1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-9.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":63248,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-7","catch_line":"Rewards for arrest of persons convicted of or charged with offenses; rewards for conviction of unknown offenders","url":"\/19.2-7\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-7","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":87384,"structure_id":14432,"section_number":"19.2-8.1","catch_line":"Prosecution for murder or manslaughter; passage of time not a limitation","url":"\/19.2-8.1\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-8.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/19.2-8\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 28 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1960, chapter 366; in 1974, chapter 466; in 1975, chapter 495; in 1976, chapters 114 and 620; in 1977, chapter 108; in 1978, chapter 730; in 1979, chapter 243; in 1980, chapter 496; in 1981, chapter 31; in 1984, chapter 601; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1990, chapters 575 and 976; in 1992, chapters 177, 435, and 650; in 1996, chapter 484<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 566<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 620<\/a>; in 2005, chapters 746<\/a>, 761<\/a>, and 827<\/a>; in 2006, chapters 193<\/a>, 787<\/a>, and 892<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 769<\/a>; in 2011, chapters 118<\/a>, 143<\/a>, 494<\/a>, and 553<\/a>; in 2014, chapter 169<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 176<\/a>; in 2016, chapters 233<\/a> and 253<\/a>; in 2017, chapter 667<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 549<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 277<\/a> and 1122<\/a>; in 2022, chapter 110<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 697<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":70540,"section_number":"36-106","catch_line":"Violation a misdemeanor; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-106\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":75588,"section_number":"10.1-1320","catch_line":"Penalties; chapter not to affect right to relief or to maintain action","order_by":null,"url":"\/10.1-1320\/"},{"id":61215,"section_number":"18.2-152.1","catch_line":"Short title","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-152.1\/"},{"id":73403,"section_number":"18.2-186.3","catch_line":"Identity theft; penalty; restitution; victim assistance","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-186.3\/"},{"id":72374,"section_number":"18.2-260.1","catch_line":"Falsifying patient records","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-260.1\/"},{"id":73520,"section_number":"18.2-370.6","catch_line":"Penetration of mouth of child with lascivious intent; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-370.6\/"},{"id":66060,"section_number":"18.2-371","catch_line":"Causing or encouraging acts rendering children delinquent, abused, etc.; penalty; abandoned infant","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-371\/"},{"id":79274,"section_number":"18.2-386.1","catch_line":"Unlawful creation of image of another; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-386.1\/"},{"id":69532,"section_number":"18.2-386.2","catch_line":"Unlawful dissemination or sale of images of another; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-386.2\/"},{"id":77968,"section_number":"18.2-64.2","catch_line":"Carnal knowledge of a person detained or arrested by a law-enforcement officer or an inmate, parolee, probationer, juvenile detainee, pretrial defendant or posttrial offender, or confidential informant; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-64.2\/"},{"id":67699,"section_number":"18.2-67.4","catch_line":"Sexual battery","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-67.4\/"},{"id":64369,"section_number":"18.2-67.4:1","catch_line":"Infected sexual battery; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-67.4_1\/"},{"id":70257,"section_number":"18.2-67.4:2","catch_line":"Sexual abuse of a child under 15 years of age; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-67.4_2\/"},{"id":57731,"section_number":"18.2-67.5","catch_line":"Attempted rape, forcible sodomy, object sexual penetration, aggravated sexual battery, and sexual battery","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-67.5\/"},{"id":82970,"section_number":"24.2-945","catch_line":"Elections to which chapter applicable; chapter exclusive","order_by":null,"url":"\/24.2-945\/"},{"id":81525,"section_number":"29.1-553","catch_line":"Selling or offering for sale; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-553\/"},{"id":72218,"section_number":"3.2-6570","catch_line":"Cruelty to animals; penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/3.2-6570\/"},{"id":55402,"section_number":"32.1-239","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-239\/"},{"id":70540,"section_number":"36-106","catch_line":"Violation a misdemeanor; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-106\/"},{"id":70430,"section_number":"54.1-111","catch_line":"Unlawful acts; prosecution; proceedings in equity; civil penalty","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-111\/"},{"id":81050,"section_number":"54.1-3904","catch_line":"Penalty for practicing without authority","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3904\/"},{"id":66151,"section_number":"55.1-1989","catch_line":"Penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/55.1-1989\/"},{"id":77323,"section_number":"60.2-100","catch_line":"Short title","order_by":null,"url":"\/60.2-100\/"},{"id":72173,"section_number":"62.1-194.1","catch_line":"Obstructing or contaminating state waters","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-194.1\/"},{"id":69253,"section_number":"62.1-44.32","catch_line":"Penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.32\/"},{"id":82013,"section_number":"62.1-44.34:14","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/62.1-44.34_14\/"},{"id":65549,"section_number":"63.2-1701","catch_line":"Licenses required; issuance, expiration, and renewal; maximum number of residents, participants or children; posting of licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-1701\/"}],"permalink":{"id":168229,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71434,"identifier":"19.2-8","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-8","url":"\/19.2-8\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/19.2-8\/","token":"19.2\/1\/19.2-8","dublin_core":{"Title":"Limitation of prosecutions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 19.2-8","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A prosecution<\/span> for a misdemeanor<\/span>, or any pecuniary fine, forfeiture, penalty<\/span> or amercement, shall be commenced within one year next after there was cause therefor, except that a prosecution<\/span> for petit larceny<\/span> may be commenced within five years, and for an attempt to produce abortion, within two years after commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for any misdemeanor<\/span> violation of \u00a7 54.1-3904<\/a> shall be commenced within two years of the discovery<\/span> of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for violation of laws<\/span> governing the placement of children for adoption without a license pursuant to \u00a7 63.2-1701<\/a> shall be commenced within one year from the date of the filing of the petition<\/span> for adoption.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for making a false statement or representation of a material<\/span> fact<\/span> knowing it to be false or knowingly failing to disclose a material<\/span> fact<\/span>, to obtain or increase any benefit or other payment under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act (\u00a7 60.2-100<\/a> et seq.) shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for any violation of \u00a7 10.1-1320<\/a>, 62.1-44.32<\/a> (b), 62.1-194.1<\/a>, or Article 11 (\u00a7 62.1-44.34:14<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 that involves the discharge, dumping or emission of any toxic substance as defined in \u00a7 32.1-239<\/a> shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of Building Code violations under \u00a7 36-106<\/a> shall commence within one year of discovery<\/span> of the offense<\/span> by the building official, provided that such discovery<\/span> occurs within two years of the date of initial occupancy or use after construction of the building or structure, or the issuance of a certificate of use and occupancy for the building or structure, whichever is later. However, prosecutions<\/span> under \u00a7 36-106<\/a> relating to the maintenance of existing buildings or structures as contained in the Uniform Statewide Building Code shall commence within one year of the issuance of a notice of violation for the offense<\/span> by the building official.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of any misdemeanor<\/span> violation of \u00a7 54.1-111<\/a> shall commence within one year of the discovery<\/span> of the offense<\/span> by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of any misdemeanor<\/span> violation of any professional licensure requirement imposed by a locality shall commence within one year of the discovery<\/span> of the offense<\/span> by the complainant, but in no case later than five years from occurrence of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of nonfelonious offenses<\/span> which constitute malfeasance in office shall commence within two years next after the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> for a violation for which a penalty<\/span> is provided for by \u00a7 55.1-1989<\/a> shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of illegal sales or purchases of wild birds, wild animals and freshwater fish under \u00a7 29.1-553<\/a> shall commence within three years after commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of violations under Title 58.1 for offenses<\/span> involving false or fraudulent statements, documents or returns, or for the offense<\/span> of willfully attempting in any manner to evade or defeat any tax or the payment thereof, or for the offense<\/span> of willfully failing to pay any tax, or willfully failing to make any return at the time or times required by law<\/span> or regulations shall commence within three years next after the commission of the offense<\/span>, unless a longer period is otherwise prescribed.\n\t\tProsecution<\/span> of violations of subsection A or B of \u00a7 3.2-6570<\/a> shall commence within five years of the commission of the offense<\/span>, except violations regarding agricultural animals shall commence within one year of the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for a misdemeanor<\/span> violation of \u00a7 18.2-386.1<\/a> or 18.2-386.2<\/a> shall be commenced within five years of the commission of the offense<\/span> or within one year of the date the victim discovers the offense<\/span> or, by the exercise of due diligence, reasonably should have discovered the offense<\/span>, whichever is later.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for any violation of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, Chapter 9.3 (\u00a7 24.2-945<\/a> et seq.) of Title 24.2, shall commence within one year of the discovery<\/span> of the offense<\/span> but in no case more than three years after the date of the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> of a crime<\/span> that is punishable as a misdemeanor<\/span> pursuant to the Virginia Computer Crimes<\/span> Act (\u00a7 18.2-152.1<\/a> et seq.) or pursuant to \u00a7 18.2-186.3<\/a> for identity theft shall be commenced before the earlier of (i) five years after the commission of the last act in the course of conduct constituting a violation of the article or (ii) one year after the existence of the illegal act and the identity of the offender are discovered by the Commonwealth, by the owner, or by anyone else who is damaged by such violation.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> of a misdemeanor<\/span> under \u00a7 18.2-64.2<\/a>, 18.2-67.4<\/a>, 18.2-67.4:1<\/a>, 18.2-67.4:2<\/a>, 18.2-67.5<\/a>, or 18.2-370.6<\/a> or clause (ii) of \u00a7 18.2-371<\/a> where the victim is a minor<\/span> at the time of the offense<\/span> shall be commenced no later than one year after the victim reaches majority, unless the alleged offender of such offense<\/span> was an adult and more than three years older than the victim at the time of the offense<\/span>, in which instance such prosecution<\/span> shall be commenced no later than five years after the victim reaches majority.\n\t\tA prosecution<\/span> for a violation of \u00a7 18.2-260.1<\/a> shall be commenced within three years of the commission of the offense<\/span>.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any person fleeing from justice or concealing himself within or without the Commonwealth to avoid arrest<\/span> or be construed to limit the time within which any prosecution<\/span> may be commenced for desertion of a spouse or child or for neglect or refusal or failure to provide for the support and maintenance of a spouse or child.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLIMITATION OF PROSECUTIONS (\u00a7 19.2-8)\n\nA prosecution for a misdemeanor, or any pecuniary fine, forfeiture, penalty or\namercement, shall be commenced within one year next after there was cause\ntherefor, except that a prosecution for petit larceny may be commenced within\nfive years, and for an attempt to produce abortion, within two years after\ncommission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-3904 shall be commenced\nwithin two years of the discovery of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for violation of laws governing the placement of children for\nadoption without a license pursuant to \u00a7 63.2-1701 shall be commenced within\none year from the date of the filing of the petition for adoption.\n\t\tA prosecution for making a false statement or representation of a material\nfact knowing it to be false or knowingly failing to disclose a material fact, to\nobtain or increase any benefit or other payment under the Virginia Unemployment\nCompensation Act (\u00a7 60.2-100 et seq.) shall be commenced within three years\nnext after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of \u00a7 10.1-1320, 62.1-44.32 (b), 62.1-194.1,\nor Article 11 (\u00a7 62.1-44.34:14 et seq.) of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 that\ninvolves the discharge, dumping or emission of any toxic substance as defined in\n\u00a7 32.1-239 shall be commenced within three years next after the commission of\nthe offense.\n\t\tProsecution of Building Code violations under \u00a7 36-106 shall commence within\none year of discovery of the offense by the building official, provided that\nsuch discovery occurs within two years of the date of initial occupancy or use\nafter construction of the building or structure, or the issuance of a\ncertificate of use and occupancy for the building or structure, whichever is\nlater. However, prosecutions under \u00a7 36-106 relating to the maintenance of\nexisting buildings or structures as contained in the Uniform Statewide Building\nCode shall commence within one year of the issuance of a notice of violation for\nthe offense by the building official.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 54.1-111 shall commence within\none year of the discovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case\nlater than five years from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of any misdemeanor violation of any professional licensure\nrequirement imposed by a locality shall commence within one year of the\ndiscovery of the offense by the complainant, but in no case later than five\nyears from occurrence of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of nonfelonious offenses which constitute malfeasance in office\nshall commence within two years next after the commission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution for a violation for which a penalty is provided for by \u00a7\n55.1-1989 shall commence within three years next after the commission of the\noffense.\n\t\tProsecution of illegal sales or purchases of wild birds, wild animals and\nfreshwater fish under \u00a7 29.1-553 shall commence within three years after\ncommission of the offense.\n\t\tProsecution of violations under Title 58.1 for offenses involving false or\nfraudulent statements, documents or returns, or for the offense of willfully\nattempting in any manner to evade or defeat any tax or the payment thereof, or\nfor the offense of willfully failing to pay any tax, or willfully failing to\nmake any return at the time or times required by law or regulations shall\ncommence within three years next after the commission of the offense, unless a\nlonger period is otherwise prescribed.\n\t\tProsecution of violations of subsection A or B of \u00a7 3.2-6570 shall commence\nwithin five years of the commission of the offense, except violations regarding\nagricultural animals shall commence within one year of the commission of the\noffense.\n\t\tA prosecution for a misdemeanor violation of \u00a7 18.2-386.1 or 18.2-386.2 shall\nbe commenced within five years of the commission of the offense or within one\nyear of the date the victim discovers the offense or, by the exercise of due\ndiligence, reasonably should have discovered the offense, whichever is later.\n\t\tA prosecution for any violation of the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act,\nChapter 9.3 (\u00a7 24.2-945 et seq.) of Title 24.2, shall commence within one year\nof the discovery of the offense but in no case more than three years after the\ndate of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tA prosecution of a crime that is punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to the\nVirginia Computer Crimes Act (\u00a7 18.2-152.1 et seq.) or pursuant to \u00a7\n18.2-186.3 for identity theft shall be commenced before the earlier of (i) five\nyears after the commission of the last act in the course of conduct constituting\na violation of the article or (ii) one year after the existence of the illegal\nact and the identity of the offender are discovered by the Commonwealth, by the\nowner, or by anyone else who is damaged by such violation.\n\t\tA prosecution of a misdemeanor under \u00a7 18.2-64.2, 18.2-67.4, 18.2-67.4:1,\n18.2-67.4:2, 18.2-67.5, or 18.2-370.6 or clause (ii) of \u00a7 18.2-371 where the\nvictim is a minor at the time of the offense shall be commenced no later than\none year after the victim reaches majority, unless the alleged offender of such\noffense was an adult and more than three years older than the victim at the time\nof the offense, in which instance such prosecution shall be commenced no later\nthan five years after the victim reaches majority.\n\t\tA prosecution for a violation of \u00a7 18.2-260.1 shall be commenced within three\nyears of the commission of the offense.\n\t\tNothing in this section shall be construed to apply to any person fleeing from\njustice or concealing himself within or without the Commonwealth to avoid arrest\nor be construed to limit the time within which any prosecution may be commenced\nfor desertion of a spouse or child or for neglect or refusal or failure to\nprovide for the support and maintenance of a spouse or child.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 19.1-8; 1960, c. 366; 1974, c. 466; 1975, c. 495; 1976,\ncc. 114, 620; 1977, c. 108; 1978, c. 730; 1979, c. 243; 1980, c. 496; 1981, c.\n31; 1984, c. 601; 1987, c. 488; 1990, cc. 575, 976; 1992, cc. 177, 435, 650;\n1996, c. 484; 1998, c. 566; 1999, c. 620; 2005, cc. 746, 761, 827; 2006, cc.\n193, 787, 892; 2008, c. 769; 2011, cc. 118, 143, 494, 553; 2014, c. 169; 2015,\nc. 176; 2016, cc. 233, 253; 2017, c. 667; 2018, c. 549; 2020, cc. 277, 1122;\n2022, c. 110; 2024, c. 697.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}