Can I still press charges for something that happened to me 5 years ago?
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Can I still press charges for something that happened to me 5 years ago?
Five years ago, I was a freshman in college and was raped by someone I thought was a friend. I never said anything and have dealt with PTSD/Depression/Anxiety and still have problems to this day. I know I don’t have any physical evidence because I didn’t have a rape kit done. I just recently told my family last fall and a couple weeks ago about this as well as been in counseling. I have been going back and forth and super torn about pressing charges. I don’t want to go to court and testify but I know that it probably will be inevitable depending on if they think it should be taken to court. Is there any point of me doing this? I would like to for my healing and closure.
Asked on October 10, 2017 under Criminal Law, Vermont
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You can still file a charge of rape because Vermont has a six year statute of limitations. This means that the charge of rape must be filed before six years have elapsed since the incident.
If the statute of limitations tolls (expires), you will have lost your rights forever in the matter.
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