What You Need to Know
When legal issues arise—whether criminal, civil, or personal injury—time is one of the most critical factors. In Arizona, the statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a lawsuit or how long prosecutors have to bring charges against someone. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your case, even if it’s strong. At Rideout Law Group, we help clients across Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City, and throughout Arizona understand and navigate these legal timeframes.
What Is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum period one can wait before filing a lawsuit, depending on the type of case. These rules protect individuals from facing indefinite threats of legal action and ensure evidence remains relatively fresh.
In Arizona, different legal matters have different time limits. Whether you’re pursuing justice or defending against claims, knowing these timelines is essential.
Civil Statutes of Limitations in Arizona
Personal Injury – 2 Years
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice incident, Arizona gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Property Damage – 2 Years
Claims for property damage, such as in real estate disputes or vehicular accidents, also have a two-year limit.
Breach of Contract
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 3 years
Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Arizona
No Time Limit for Serious Crimes
For the most serious criminal offenses—such as homicide, sexual assault of a minor, or violent felonies—there is no statute of limitations. These cases can be prosecuted at any time.
Felonies
- Class 2 through 6 felonies (e.g., theft, aggravated assault): 7 years
- Certain white-collar crimes (e.g., fraud, embezzlement): also up to 7 years
Misdemeanors – 1 Year
Charges for less serious offenses, like disorderly conduct or simple DUI, must generally be filed within 12 months.
Tolling: When the Clock Pauses
Sometimes, the statute of limitations can be paused or extended. This is known as “tolling.” Common situations where tolling applies include:
- The defendant is out of state
- The injured party is a minor or mentally incapacitated
- Ongoing fraud or concealment delays discovery of the injury
In such cases, the clock doesn’t start ticking—or stops temporarily—until the situation changes.
Why the Statute of Limitations Matters
If you try to file a lawsuit or charges after the statute of limitations has expired, the court will likely dismiss your case—no matter how strong your evidence may be. That’s why timing is everything.
If you believe you have a legal claim, or if you’re being accused of a crime that occurred in the past, it’s critical to consult with an Arizona attorney immediately to determine if time is on your side.
Rideout Law Group: Protecting Your Legal Rights in Arizona
Whether you need a criminal defense attorney in Scottsdale, a personal injury lawyer in Lake Havasu, or civil litigation help anywhere in Arizona, our team is here to ensure you meet critical deadlines and preserve your rights.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate Arizona’s complex statute of limitations laws—and we can help you too.
📞 Call today for a free consultation:
- Scottsdale: (480) 584-3328
- Lake Havasu: (928) 854-8181