Within how many years must felonies be prosecuted?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for prosecuting felonies generally allows for a period of three years from the date of the commission of the offense. This means that prosecutors must initiate legal action within this timeframe in order to effectively pursue a felony charge. Understanding the limitation period is crucial for legal practitioners because it affects how they prepare and decide to file charges, ensuring that the prosecution is conducted within the legal timeframe established by state law.

Certain serious offenses, like murder, have no statute of limitations, meaning they can be prosecuted at any time. However, for most other felonies, the three-year limit is applicable, thus making it essential for both attorneys and potential defendants to be aware of this timeline.