Vermont’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 Vermont.
Vermont Civil Statute of Limitations
Vermont’s civil statute of limitations can range from 1 year to 8 years, depending on the nature of the case. Most civil actions have a time limit of 6 years while the limit for personal injury, libel/slander, and trespass is 3 years. The date of discovery of an incident or the date an offense is committed 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 Vermont:
Section Code
Title 12: Court Procedure Chapter 23: Limitation Of Time For Commencement Of Actions
Civil action (excluding one brought upon the judgment or decree of a court of record): 6 yrs. after the cause of action accrues.; Actions on judgments and actions for the renewal or revival of judgments: 8 yrs. after the rendition of the judgment. §506; §511
Product liability
3 yrs. §512(4)
False imprisonment
3 yrs. §512(2)
State laws related to filing lawsuits can change often. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a Vermont attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
Vermont Criminal Statute of Limitations
Vermont’s criminal statute of limitations sets time limits on the filing of criminal charges in the state, but there is no deadline for crimes considered especially heinous, including murder, arson causing death, kidnapping, sexual assault and manslaughter. Other felonies carry statutes that can range from three to forty years, depending on the nature of the offense. Misdemeanors committed in this state have a 3 year limit. Also, most sexual offenses against children have no limit or carry a 40 year limit. This is because children are most vulnerable to abuse and it can take longer for them to recall and understand what happened to them. White collar crimes (crimes committed for financial gain) and several other crimes have a limit of 6 years. Examples include robbery, fraud, forgery and bribery. These limitations are established to ensure criminal charges are handled efficiently and in a timely manner. The limits also help preserve the integrity of evidence such as testimonies from witnesses that may become unreliable with time.
A summary of criminal statutes of limitation in Vermont:
Section Code
13 V.S.A. § 4501
Felonies
Murder, arson causing death, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, manslaughter: none. Maiming, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult: 40 yrs. Arson, first degree aggravated domestic assault: 11 yrs. Lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult, grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, false claims, fraud, and felony tax offenses: 6 yrs. All other felonies: 3 yrs.
Misdemeanors
3 yrs
Crimes in Which a Child Is a Victim
Aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual exploitation of a minor: none. Sexual assault against a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct against a minor, lewd or lascivious conduct with a child, sexual exploitation of a minor: 40 yrs.
Acts During Which Statute Does Not Run
Not specified
State laws are always subject to change. While our goal is to provide the most current information available, please consider contacting a Vermont attorney or doing legal research of your own to verify the state law(s) you’re researching.
