Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person Statute of Limitations
What is the Federal Statute of Limitations for the Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person?
The federal statute of limitations for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is generally five years from the date of the commission of the crime. This means that the government has five years from the date of the crime to bring criminal charges against an individual for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. However, this time frame can be extended in certain circumstances.
For example, if the government can prove that the defendant concealed or disguised the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of the firearm, the statute of limitations may be tolled (or extended) until the discovery of the offense.
Additionally, there is no statute of limitations for certain possession of a firearm by a prohibited person offenses involving death or serious bodily injury, or if the defendant has fled the jurisdiction.
It's important to note that these are general rules and that some other specific circumstances may affect the statute of limitations for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Also, depending on the specific facts of the case and the prohibited status of the person, some states may also have their own statute of limitations for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. It's always best to consult with an attorney to determine the specific statute of limitations for a particular case.