N.M. Stat. § 30-1-8

This is the official text of N.M. Stat. § 30-1-8, part of New Mexico’s Stat — part of the compiled statutory law of New Mexico, published by the state as "Stat." Browse the sections below, each linked to its official government source.

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§ 30-1-8. Time limitations for commencing prosecution

Official statutory text

A person shall not be prosecuted, tried or punished in any court of this state unless the indictment is found or information or complaint is filed within the time as provided:

A. for a second degree felony, within six years from the time the crime was committed;

B. for a third or fourth degree felony, within five years from the time the crime was committed;

C. for a misdemeanor, within two years from the time the crime was committed;

D. for a petty misdemeanor, within one year from the time the crime was committed;

E. for any crime against or violation of Section 51-1-38 NMSA 1978 , within three years from the time the crime was committed;

F. for a felony pursuant to Section 7-1-71.3 , 7-1-72 or 7-1-73 NMSA 1978 , within five years from the time the crime was committed; provided that for a series of crimes involving multiple filing periods within one calendar year, the limitation shall begin to run on December 31 of the year in which the crimes occurred;

G. for an identity theft crime pursuant to Section 30-16-24.1 NMSA 1978 , within five years from the time the crime was discovered;

H. for any crime not contained in the Criminal Code or where a limitation is not otherwise provided for, within three years from the time the crime was committed; and

I. for a capital felony, a first degree violent felony or second degree murder pursuant to Subsection B of Section 30-2-1 NMSA 1978 , no limitation period shall exist and prosecution for these crimes may commence at any time after the occurrence of the crime.

Status: in_force

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