Statute of Limitations for Common Criminal Offences in Ontario
Some criminal offences in Ontario are bound by a statute of limitations. This specifies a timespan during which criminal charges can be filed against an alleged perpetrator.
Generally speaking, after this period passes, it is no longer possible for the individual to be charged with the crime.
However, for many of the most serious offences (indictable offences), no statute of limitations applies in Canada — anyone can call the police and report a crime that took place at almost any time in the past and the alleged offender can be charged as long as he/she is alive.
A good example is a historical sexual offence that took place many years ago. In Canada, victims can come forward and report such crimes and, provided there is sufficient evidence available, the Crown prosecutor can proceed with charges against the alleged offender.
This is somewhat different to over the border in the U.S. where even serious offences are generally covered by statutes of limitations imposed by state and federal laws.
