Statute of Limitations CO- Summary
Colorado’s statute of limitations establishes a deadline before which civil cases – such as lawsuits – must be filed in the state. In relation to criminal charges, it also prevents prosecutors from charging an individual with a crime after a specified period of time has passed. The statutes of limitations for different civil actions and crimes can vary from state to state, so read on for more information about how they apply in Colorado.
Colorado Civil Statute of Limitations
Colorado’s civil statute of limitations sets deadlines under which lawsuits and other civil actions must be filed in the state. These limits typically range from one – three years, depending on the type of case or procedure, but claims related to rent and debt collection have a limitation of six years. The date or discovery of an incident is usually when time starts counting down.
Be aware that if you fail to file your civil claim before the established deadline, the opposing party can use the statute of limitations in their defense and file a motion to dismiss the case on the basis that the time allotted to file it has already passed. Any legal claim will be lost forever once your case is dismissed.
A summary of civil statutes of limitations in Colorado:
| Injury to Person | 2 yrs. §13-80-102 (a); If from use or operation of a motor vehicle: 3 yrs. §13-80-101(n) |
| Libel/Slander | 1 yr. §13-80-103(1)(a) |
| Fraud | For actions under §13-80-103(g): 1 yr.; For actions under §13-80-101(1)(c): 3 yrs. |
| Injury to Personal Property | 2 yrs.; If from use or operation of a motor vehicle: 3 yrs. §13-80-101(n) |
| Professional Malpractice | Vet: 2 yrs. §13-80- 102(1)(c); Medical: 2 yrs. upon discovery §13-80-102 |
| Trespass | 2 yrs. §13-80-102 |
| Collection of Rents | 6 yrs. §13-80-1035(1)(b) |
| Contracts | Written: 3 yrs. §13-80-101; Oral: 3 yrs. §13-80- 101; If tort action for tortious breach of contract: 2 yrs. §13-80-102 |
| Collection of Debt on Account | If the contract falls under §13-80- 103.5: 6 yrs. |
| Judgments | – |
State laws related to filing lawsuits can change often. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a Colorado attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
Colorado Criminal Statute of Limitations
Colorado’s criminal statute of limitations sets time limits on the filing of criminal charges in the state. As it is in most states, New York does not place a deadline on bringing charges for crimes considered especially heinous, including murder, kidnapping, treason, and forgery. The law says prosecutors can charge someone with one of these crimes no matter how much time has passed.
The statute of limitations for misdemeanors in Colorado ranges from six months to five years, depending on the crime. Most misdemeanors have a limit of 18 months, while Class I and II and traffic offenses carry one year, petty offenses are limited to six months, and 3rd degree sexual assault has a statute of five years. The time limit within which criminal charges may be brought begins once the crime is identified, or should have been identified.
A summary of criminal statutes of limitations in Colorado:
| Code Section | COL. REV. STAT. §16-5-401: Limitation For Commencing Criminal Proceedings And Juvenile Delinquency Proceedings |
| Felonies | Murder, attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit murder, kidnapping, attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit kidnapping, treason, attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit treason, any forgery despite the given penalty, attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit any forgery despite the given penalty: none; sexual assault, aggravated incest, trafficking in or sexual exploitation of children, soliciting for child prostitution, pandering or procurement of a child: 10 yrs.; other felonies: 3 yrs. (bribery and abuse of public office: 3 yr. extension; sexual offenses on children under 15 yrs. of age: 7 yr. extension) |
| Misdemeanors | 18 months.; Class I and II and traffic offenses: 1 yr.; petty offenses: 6 mos.; 3rd degree sexual assault: 5 yrs. |
| Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run | If an alleged criminal is in hiding or out of state, max. extension of 5 yrs.; statutory periods begin once a crime is or should have been identified |
State laws are always subject to change. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a Colorado attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
Additional Reading: How long is a life sentence in Colorado?
More Colorado Laws