Q: If a case status says criminal court bindover, is there a statue of limitations for them to prosecute?
A: That is a difficult question to answer. When a criminal court refers to a case as "bind over" it tells me that the defendant was arrested and formally put on notice of the charge. From that point a delay in presenting the case to the grand jury and any resulting delay in a trial are due process/speedy trial issues -- not "statute of limitations" issues. To have a charge dismissed on due process grounds is extremely rare. The test requires that the defendant prove (1) that the delay caused substantial prejudice to the defendant's right to a fair trial, and (2) that the delay was an intentional device to gain a tactical advantage over the accused. No small task. But -- to answer the question, no statute of limitation but the government can't wait forever without having to explain the delay.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
