Statute of Limitations NH- Summary
New Hampshire’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 New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Civil Statute of Limitations
New Hampshire’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 two – twenty years, depending on the type of case or procedure. 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 New Hampshire:
| Injury to Person | 3 yrs. §508:4 |
| Libel/Slander | 3 yrs. §508:4 |
| Fraud | 3 yrs. §508:4 |
| Injury to Personal Property | 3 yrs. §508:4 |
| Professional Malpractice | 3 yrs. §508:4 |
| Trespass | 2 yrs. §539:8 |
| Collection of Rents | – |
| Contracts | Written: 20 yrs. under seal §508:5 |
| Collection of Debt on Account | – |
| Judgments | 20 yrs. §508:5 |
State laws related to filing lawsuits can change often. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a New Hampshire attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
New Hampshire Criminal Statute of Limitations
New Hampshire’s criminal statute of limitations sets time limits on the filing of criminal charges in the state, but like most states, it does not place a deadline on bringing charges for murder, which the law says prosecutors can charge someone with no matter how much time has passed. Most other felonies have a statute of limitations of six years, while misdemeanors carry a one-year deadline and violations must be prosecuted within three months.
A summary of criminal statutes of limitations in New Hampshire:
| Code Section | New Hampshire Statutes Section 625:8 |
| Felonies | Murder: none; Class A or B felony or unemployment compensation offense: 6 yrs.; offense of hunting game or fur-bearing animals or violation of off highway recreational vehicles: 3 yrs.; breach of fiduciary duty: within 1 yr. of offense; misconduct in public office: 2 yrs.; sexual assault and related offenses when victim is a minor less than 18: within 22 yrs. of victim’s 18th birthday |
| Misdemeanors | 1 yr.; violations: 3 months |
| Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run | If alleged criminal is hiding or out of state, or is already facing prosecution for the same conduct. |
State laws are always subject to change. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a New Hampshire attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.