What Is the Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes in Erie, PA?

On Behalf of Stanton D. Levenson, P.A. Law Offices

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Jun 03, 2025

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Sex Crimes

Facing sex crime allegations can be a seriously stressful and unpredictable situation. Depending on the details of your case, you could be looking at severe legal penalties that include prison time, hefty fines, and even registration as a sex offender. Even the accusation of a sex crime can be enough to cause irreparable harm to your reputation, your social standing, and more. You may be wondering about the statute of limitations on sex crimes in Erie, PA. It depends on the case.

It’s understandable to be concerned if you are being charged with a sex crime. If convicted, your life will be changed forever. A conviction will result in a criminal record, which will follow you for the rest of your life. A criminal record can make it difficult, or even impossible, to get certain job opportunities, maintain personal relationships, and even be a present parent. An experienced sex crime criminal defense lawyer can help you.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes in Erie, PA?

The statute of limitations on sex crimes in Erie, PA, depends entirely on the nature of the sex crime itself. Some sex crimes have no statute of limitations, while others do. According to information collected by the United States Sentencing Commission, crimes involving sexual abuse accounted for 3.2% of all sentencings in Pennsylvania throughout 2024.

In Pennsylvania, there is no statute of limitations on sex crimes that involve minors under the age of 18. Victims can pursue charges at any point in their lives following the abuse, especially if the repressed memory of the abuse emerges later in their lives. For major sex offenses such as rape, there is no statute of limitations for victims under 18 years old. For adult victims, the statute of limitations for rape is 12 years for criminal charges and two years for civil charges.

That means if you are being pursued for civil charges for rape, the alleged victim will only have two years to put together a valid case, gather all the evidence they can find that proves their side of the story, consult with a lawyer who can help them pursue damages in civil court, and file their claim for compensatory damages. It is wise to begin building a strong case with a seasoned sex crime criminal defense attorney as soon as you are aware there might be charges brought against you.

Getting Arrested for Sex Crimes

Being arrested for sex crimes can be overwhelming, especially if you are arrested in a public place. It can change how those in your life perceive you. You may start to feel like you have already lost, but that may not be the case. You still have your constitutional rights, and you are always innocent until proven guilty, despite what people may already be saying about you.

If you are arrested by the Erie Police Department or the Erie Sheriff’s Office, you will likely be transported to the local jail, which is the Erie County Prison at 1618 Ash Street in Erie, where you will be held after processing occurs until the arraignment.

Upon your arrest, it is vital that you exercise your right to remain silent and your right to have legal counsel. The police may try to coerce you into admitting something about the case, as their evidence against you may not be as strong as you have been led to think. Simply say nothing and wait for your lawyer. Once they arrive, let them do all the talking for you.

FAQs

Q: Is There a Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes in Pennsylvania?

A: Yes and no. There is a statute of limitations on certain sex crimes in Pennsylvania. The statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the crime and the age of the victim. There is a 12-year statute of limitations for criminal charges in an adult rape case. In cases involving a victim under 18 years old, there is no statute of limitations. Civil charges for rape have a two-year limit in Pennsylvania.

Q: What Crimes in Pennsylvania Have No Statute of Limitations?

A: There are several crimes in Pennsylvania that do not have a statute of limitations. All of them are particularly serious and can be difficult to fight in court. They are:

• Murder
• Voluntary Manslaughter
• Vehicular Homicide
• Rape of a Minor
• Aggravated Assault Against Law Enforcement
• Human Trafficking of Minors
• Certain Felonies Connected to a Murder Case

Q: How Long Does Pennsylvania Have to Charge You with a Crime?

A: The amount of time that the state of Pennsylvania has to charge you with a crime is entirely dependent on the crime itself. For most misdemeanors and felonies, the state only has two years to file criminal charges against you. There are many exceptions, particularly for felonies involving children. Many more serious crimes don’t have any statute of limitations, such as murder. If you are concerned about potential charges against you, you may want to reach out to an experienced lawyer for advice.

Q: Is There a Federal Statute of Limitations on Sex Abuse?

A: No, there is no federal statute of limitations on sex abuse. Any crime involving the sexual exploitation of children, as well as physical abuse or kidnapping, has no statute of limitations that could prevent prosecution during the child’s lifetime or ten years after the initial offense, whichever is longer. Many other federal crimes, such as murder, treason, and terrorism, also have no statute of limitations.

Reach Out to a Sex Crimes Lawyer Today

Dealing with sex crime charges can be overwhelming and unpredictable, especially if you have not yet hired legal help to assist you through this. Understanding the various statutes of limitations on Pennsylvania sex crimes can help you better prepare for your case.

The legal team at The Levenson Law Firm understands how complex your case can get. We can prepare your case, gather evidence for you, and ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact us to speak to a member of our team about your case.