For misdemeanor sex offenses involving a minor, what is the statute of limitations?

• A. 10 years after the victim attains age 18.
• B. 5 years after the offense
• C. 20 years after the offense
• D. Lifetime, no statute of limitations

Answer: (A)

When a sex offense involves a minor, the statute of limitations is treated differently to protect young victims who may report later. Specifically, for misdemeanor sex offenses against a minor, the clock does not start until the victim reaches the age of 18. After that, prosecutors have a full 10-year window to bring charges.

This means the period to file charges is measured from the moment the victim becomes an adult, not from the date of the offense. For example, if the offense occurred when the victim was 15, the 10-year window begins when they turn 18 and ends 10 years later. If the victim turns 18 years old and then 10 years pass without charges, the case would be time-barred.

The other options don’t fit this rule: 5 years after the offense would apply in different contexts, not this specific minor-involved category; 20 years after the offense isn’t the rule for these misdemeanor cases; and “lifetime” with no statute of limitations isn’t correct here because there is a defined period for these offenses.