House Bill 6070

Committee: Criminal Law and Corrections

Complete to 11-7-00

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 6070 AS INTRODUCED 10-4-00

The Code of Criminal Procedure provides statutory limits on the amount of time that may pass between the occurrence of a crime and the issuance of an indictment for that crime. Generally, an indictment for a crime must be brought within six years after the offense was committed. However, indictments for certain crimes - kidnaping, extortion, and assault with the intent to commit murder - may be brought within ten years after the crime occurs, and an indictment for murder may be brought at any time after the murder.

In addition, there is an exception to the general six year period of limitations for the following crimes when minor victims are involved: first, second, third, and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct; assault with intent to commit criminal sexual conduct; and the possession, distribution, or creation of child pornography. Where the alleged victim of one of these offenses is under the age of 18 when the offense occurs, the statute of limitations is extended to the later of six years or the victim's twenty-first birthday. House Bill 6070 would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the statute of limitations period for these crimes. Under the bill, the statute of limitations on these crimes would extend to 20 years or until the alleged victim's twenty-first birthday, whichever is later. The bill's provisions would apply to all offenses that occurred on or after June 1, 1980.

MCL 767.24

Analyst: W. Flory

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.