Legal Question in Criminal Law in New York

statute of limitations petit larceny?

A friend of mine took some items from another student in 8th grade, age 13-14. This was in NY state (not city). My friend tossed the items somewhere on her property (it was jewelry, I would say the value was under $1000.00, if over not by much at all). My friend was accused of this by the student that she took the jewelry from, but the police were NOT involved and my friend did not get into any trouble for this from the school as there was no proof. This happen OVER 10 years ago. Is there a statute of limitations for this? If by some odd chance someone finds the items and returns them to the owner (one item was class ring, obviously with the girls name on it, who my friend stole it from), can my friend be held liable criminally, civilly or taken to small claims court? The stuff is pretty much gone for good, somewhere in a wooded area. Is there a webpage that talks about the statute of limitations for a crime like this? We were thinking nothing could be done since she was about 13-14 when it happened and it was over 10 years ago, and the police were never called.


Asked on 4/17/03, 3:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steven Brand Steven Brand, Attorney at Law

Re: statute of limitations petit larceny?

Statute of Limitations should be 5 years (criminal) and 1 year (civil). So your friend should rest easy.

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Answered on 4/18/03, 7:15 am


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