Sometimes, a statute of limitations is imposed by the justice system for criminal offenses.
This means that the State of Maine has a certain amount of time in which to file a lawsuit against the accused on behalf of a victim.
With child sexual abuse cases, there is no statute of limitations in Maine. The same applies to most serious sexual crimes that are prosecuted as felonies (Class C crimes or above).
Some misdemeanors (Class D or E crimes) or lower-level felonies may have a three or six-year statute of limitations but child sexual abuse is one of the most serious felonies.
So, historical claims of sexual abuse that can be substantiated can still be prosecuted regardless of when they occurred.
If you are the victim of child sexual abuse or you are aware of a case, notify law enforcement and seek legal advice. Your claims will be investigated and a decision will be made by the prosecutor whether or not to file charges against the accused.
