Statute of limitations on criminal charges of child sexual abuse.
Question Details: Woman alleges she was sexually abused by a church member 20 years ago when she was a child. Report (at the time) made to head of congregation & man confessed. Matter not reported to police. 20 years later … can this woman go to the police, or is there a statute of limitations for when criminal charges can be addressed?
People go to the police all the time about these sort of things happening years and years earlier. Its just a call. Either they can help or not. I don't see the harm in trying. What sometimes happens is that once one person contacts them, that makes other people more comfortable and they do in turn.
Although I do not practice law in the State of South Carolina, here are my initial impressions. Depending on the exact conduct at issue, and therefore the charge, and the applicable law in South Carolina, the statute of limitations may or may not apply. In some states, I believe that there is no statute of limitations for first degree rape. In any event, there may be a potential civil suit also. I agree that there is nothing to be lost by contacting the police. Moreover, this woman may want to consult with a local attorney to discuss this matter in greater detail and evaluate all of the options available to her. Good luck.
