The Statute of Limitations

I can't tell you how many phone phreaks from the 1960s or 1970s I've spoken with bring up the statute of limitations at some point in our conversation.  "You're sure the statute of limitations has run out?  Really?  Are you sure?"

I'm not a lawyer, but: yes, guys, I'm sure.

There are two statutes of limitation that you're concerned about, Federal and state.

The Federal statute of limitations is five years for most non-capital crimes.  (Link and link.)

The state statute of limitations varies by state (duh).  For example:

• California: For criminal law, 3-6 years depending on the type of crime, and not counting murder or crimes punishable by death or life without possibility of parole).  (See Sections 800 and 801 here.)  For civil suits, 1-4 years depending on the case, with medical malpractice being a separate issue.  (Link.)

• New York: For criminal law, 1-5 years depending on the type of crime.  (Link.)  For civil suits, 1-6 years depending on the case.  (Link.)

A little googling will get your your specific state.  But, unless you murdered somebody with your blue box or used it to steal a Van Gogh, you're ok.  Really.

Comments

[Lucky225]

I wouldn't be TOO sure...

http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00003287----000-.html

18 USC 3287

When the United States is at war the running of any statute of limitations applicable to any offense

(1) involving fraud or attempted fraud against the United States or any agency thereof in any manner, whether by conspiracy or not.

...

We are currently at war you know..