MO Possible Child Abuse Statute of Limitations Removal
By: Gretchen Bolander
Updated: February 20, 2013
MISSOURI--- Missouri lawmakers are considering getting rid of the statute of limitations for child abuse cases. House Bill 247 would eliminate existing deadlines dealing with both child abuse and child sexual abuse.
Those currently stand at 30 years after the victim turns 18 in criminal cases, and a 10 year limit for civil proceedings involving child sexual abuse. The Jasper County Prosecutor points out that wouldn't guarantee a conviction, but that the change would be good.
"It gives prosecutors and police the option of prosecuting those cases and not having to tell the victim, 'I'm sorry, merely because of the passage of time, I can't do anything about what's happened to you," said Dean Dankelson, Jasper County Prosecutor.
House Bill 247 has not yet gone to a vote.
Those currently stand at 30 years after the victim turns 18 in criminal cases, and a 10 year limit for civil proceedings involving child sexual abuse. The Jasper County Prosecutor points out that wouldn't guarantee a conviction, but that the change would be good.
"It gives prosecutors and police the option of prosecuting those cases and not having to tell the victim, 'I'm sorry, merely because of the passage of time, I can't do anything about what's happened to you," said Dean Dankelson, Jasper County Prosecutor.
House Bill 247 has not yet gone to a vote.
