What is the statute of limitations for filing a domestic abuse case?

In Washington, the statute of limitations for filing a domestic abuse case depends on the type of crime that was committed. For misdemeanors, such as assault in the fourth degree, a case must be filed within one year from the date of the crime. For felonies, the statute of limitations is three years unless the court finds that the state had good cause for not bringing the case within a shorter period of time. In cases of domestic violence, the statutes of limitations are longer. For example, if the offender committed a domestic violence-related felony, the statute of limitations extends to five years after the commission of the offense. This rule is intended to give victims a greater chance of finding justice and protecting them from further harm. In cases that involve sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor, Washington law has no statute of limitations. This means that victims of these types of crimes can file a case at any time after the crime was committed. It is important to note that statutes of limitation can vary from state to state. It is important to contact an attorney to ensure that you understand the specific statutes of limitation in your state. Overall, the statute of limitations in Washington can range from one year to five years to no limit at all, depending on the type of crime. It is important to contact an attorney to ensure that you understand the specific statutes in your state.

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What is the statute of limitations for filing a domestic abuse case?

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