What to do if several years ago a family member accused my son of stealing from her and is saying that she is now going to prosecute him?
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What to do if several years ago a family member accused my son of stealing from her and is saying that she is now going to prosecute him?
My son was accussed of stealing $6000. She did not report this to the police or file charges at the time. Now years later she is saying she is going to prosecute. What is the statute of limitations for her to file theft charges?
Asked on September 11, 2012 under Criminal Law, Ohio
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
A civil lawsuit for theft has a statute of limitations of three (3) years from the wrongful act in many states of this country. Most likely the time period for a criminal filing of the possible theft charge would be between three (3) and five (5) years from the alleged wrongful act.
Given the fact that so many years have gone by since the alleged incident, even if the family member reported the alleged incident to law enforcement, most likely the district attorney's office would not file a criminal matter against your son based upon my experience in such matters.
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