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Principles of Forensic DNA for Officers of the Court

Statutes of Limitations (cont.)

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National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (see reuse policy).

When a crime occurs and the statute of limitations in existence as of the date of commission is thereafter statutorily expanded before the original period expired, prosecution may be initiated under the new, expanded (or telescoped) period of limitations.

In contrast, when the statute of limitations has expired for a particular crime, the statute may not be revived by legislation attempting to retroactively extend the period of limitation. 21

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