Statute of Limitations for Criminal Prosecution
1. The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution is the time limit prescribed by this Code upon the expiry of which an offender shall not be prosecuted for criminal liability.
2. The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution is provided as follows:
a) 05 years for less serious crimes;
b) 10 years for serious crimes;
c) 15 years for very serious crimes;
d) 20 years for particularly serious crimes.
3. The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution shall be counted from the date the crime is committed. If, within the time limits specified in Clause 2 above, the offender commits a new crime for which the maximum penalty prescribed by this Code is more than 01 year of imprisonment, the statute of limitations for the former crime shall be recalculated from the date of commission of the new crime.
If, within the time limits specified in Clause 2 above, the offender deliberately absconds and a wanted decision has been issued, the statute of limitations shall be recalculated from the date the offender surrenders or is arrested.
Note: The statute of limitations for criminal prosecution under Article 27 of this Code shall not apply to the following crimes:
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Crimes infringing upon national security as prescribed in Chapter XIII of this Code;
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Crimes of undermining peace, crimes against humanity, and war crimes as prescribed in Chapter XXVI of this Code;
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The crime of embezzlement of property under Clauses 3 and 4 of Article 353; the crime of taking bribes under Clauses 3 and 4 of Article 354 of the Criminal Code.
Legal basis: Articles 27 and 28 of the Criminal Code 2015.
