The criminal offense ceases (i.e. there is a limitation period) if years have elapsed since committing:

• 30 - when the act constitutes a murder crime,
• 20 - if the act constitutes another crime,
• 15 - when the act is an offense punishable by imprisonment exceeding 5 years,
• 10 - when the act constitutes an offense punishable by imprisonment exceeding 3 years,
• 5 - when it comes to other offenses.

The criminal record of an offense prosecuted by private prosecution ceases after one year from the time when the injured party learned about the perpetrator of the crime, but no later than three years after it was committed.

If the crime depends on the occurrence of the effect specified in the Act, the limitation period begins from the time when the effect occurred.

If proceedings against a person have been instituted before the limitation period, the punishment of the offense committed by him in paragraph 1-3 (above) shall cease after 10 years, and in other cases - after 5 years from the end of this period.

• 30 - in the event of a conviction to imprisonment exceeding 5 years or a more severe penalty,
• 15 - in the event of a conviction to imprisonment not exceeding 5 years,
• 10 - if sentenced to another penalty.

Limitation does not run if the provision of the Act does not allow the initiation or continuation of criminal proceedings; however, this does not apply to the lack of a request or private prosecution.

The limitation period does not apply to crimes against peace, humanity and war crimes, and to intentional crime: murder, serious bodily injury, serious bodily injury or imprisonment combined with special torment committed by a public official in connection with the performance of official duties.

[Legal status as at April 2020]