Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Practice Exam

What is the statute of limitations for felony offenses in Illinois?

1. 2 years

2. 3 years

3. 5 years

4. No statute of limitations

The correct answer is: 3 years

The statute of limitations for felony offenses in Illinois is indeed not universally applicable to all felonies. Instead, it primarily depends on the nature of the felony itself. Generally, for most felonies, the statute of limitations is 3 years. This means that the state has 3 years from the date of the offense to file criminal charges against an individual. However, certain serious offenses, such as murder and other serious felonies like sexual assault, may not have a statute of limitations at all, allowing law enforcement to initiate legal action regardless of how much time has passed. Understanding this nuanced framework is essential for law enforcement and legal practitioners as it dictates how cases are managed and prosecuted over time. In contrast, other timeframes such as 2 years and 5 years may refer to specific misdemeanors or civil actions but do not reflect the general 3-year limit for most felony charges in Illinois.