Is 8 years too long to report a Crime?

Question

A vandalism crime that someone you know did and believe they should be prosecuted for it and happen multiple times?

Answer 1

Statute of limitations is usually 7 years.

Answer 2

it depends on the specific crime that it is and what the statute of limitations is where you live

Answer 3

you should have reported it when it happened.  if i got that call today for a vandalism that occurred 8 yrs ago i wouldnt try to hard to do anything about it.  where is the evidence, is what ever that was vandalized still broken or damaged?  i wouldnt bother if i were you.  if it was a rape or something along those lines would be different.  you can still report that.

Answer 4

It may not be too late to report it, but it is too late for the person to be prosecuted for it.

Most crimes, depending on the state, are bound by a statute of limitations.  In CA, minor offenses (with some exceptions) are one year.  More serious offenses are generally 2-4 years, but usually not more than 8.  Murder has no limitation.  This time doesn't start to run for many crimes (serious crimes that the victim doesn't even know occurred) until the crime is discovered.

Vandalism is probably a very short statute of limitation.  Therefore, you can tell the police, but they won't do anything.

Answer 5

Unless you have enough evidence to support an eight year old crime forget it...

Also.. If the crime is not serious...   for example if it was not like property damage in the tens of thousands...  It is not likely the authorities will pursue it...  They are very busy  handling a high case load from todays scumbags.