Code of Criminal Procedure · Art. 12.01

Felony Limitation Periods

Felony Limitation Periods (Art. 12.01): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • No limitations: murder, manslaughter, certain sex offenses against children, etc.
  • Misdemeanors: 2 years (art. 12.02)
  • Property felonies: commonly 5–10 years (depending on offense)

Learn more about this topic

Time yourself, score your run, review missed questions with statute references — Free Practice Pass cadets get limited access.

Start Free Practice

Worked examples

Worked example 1

Statute of limitations under CCP art. 12.01: indictment for murder, capital murder, manslaughter, sexual assault of a child, and certain other offenses must be presented:

  1. Within 7 years
  2. There is NO limitation for certain enumerated offenses including murder and many sexual offenses against children Correct
  3. Within 1 year
  4. Within 3 years
Why: Art. 12.01 lists offenses for which there is NO limitation period — including murder/manslaughter, certain sexual offenses against children, leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and several others. Theft, burglary, and most other felonies have specified periods (commonly 5 or 10 years for property felonies; 7 years for some), and most misdemeanors have a 2-year period (art. 12.02).
Statute: Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 12.01