Here Is What Is Happening In District of Columbia (D.C.)

Civil Statute of Limitations
Discovery Rule: Yes
Limitations Period: Age 18 + 7 years
or 3 years after Discovery
Tolling:  Yes
  • 7 Years from 18th Birthday : 7 Years from 18th birthday [or +3 from discovery, whichever is later]. D.C. Code § 12-301(11).

  • Delayed Statute of Limitations for Minors : 18 years old + 3 Years. There is no specific statute of limitations for suits based on sexual acts, see D.C. Code § 12-301, but the period does not begin tolling until the victim reaches age 18. Id., § 12-302.

  • Discovery Rule : “[T]he statute of limitations begins to run when a plaintiff either has actual knowledge of a cause of action or is charged with knowledge of that cause of action.” Cevenini v. Archbishop of Washington, 707 A.2d 768 (D.C. 1998).
Criminal Statute of Limitations
Limitations
Period: 		Age 21 + 15 years for first and second-degree child sex abuse
Age 21 + 10 years for enticing a child for the purpose of committing felony sex abuse, using a minor in a sexual performance or promoting a sexual performance by a minor and incest
10 years from commission of the offense for third and fourth-degree sexual abuse
Until victim is no longer a patient or client + 10 years for 1st and 2nd degree sexual abuse of patient or client and other crimes
Until victim is no longer a ward + 10 years for first and second-degree sexual abuse of a ward
Tolling: Yes
Exceptions Yes

  • 15 Year Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse, 10 Years for Most Other Child Sex Offenses : First and second-degree child sexual abuse may be prosecuted within 15 years of the offense is committed. D.C. Code § 23-113(a)(2). Other forms of sexual abuse, using or promoting a minor in a sexual performance, and incest have 10 year statutes of limitations. § 23-113(a)(3). Other felonies must be brought within 6 years and misdemeanors within 3 years. §§ 23-113(a)(4)-(5).
     
  • Delayed Tolling for Minors : Age 21 plus 10 or 15 years depending on the act. D.C. Code § 23-113(d).
Upcoming Events
April 14 (D.C.) The 10th annual Race to Stop the Silence (Stop Child Sexual Abuse) 8K Race and Walk (and kids’ fun run) is coming right up on April 14, 2013 in D.C. Don’t miss this fun, educational and important event. Go to www.stopcsa.org for Race information and registration, and to see other ways to make a difference!
State Outreach Organizations
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Contact Your Representative
Statute of Limitations: Contact Your Representative
Step #1: Find your 9-Digit Zip Code

Step #2: Search By 9-Digit Zip Code to find contact information for your elected representative:
Statute of Limitations: Footer
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