Statutes of limitations establish the time periods for sexual abuse victims to seek justice against the perpetrators or institutions responsible for their harm. The civil statute of limitations sets the deadline for victims to file lawsuits. The criminal statute of limitations sets the deadline for prosecutors to file criminal charges.
In Maryland, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse also varies based on the age of the victim, the extent of the abuse, and what type of case is being pursued. In general, the statute of limitations starts counting down from the date of the harm, but the period can sometimes be paused with exceptions like the discovery rule.
For survivors of sexual abuse, it’s critical to understand the criminal and civil statutes of limitations for reporting abuse and filing a civil lawsuit so you don’t lose your right to pursue justice and compensation.
Civil Statute of Limitations in Maryland
Maryland’s civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse changed drastically in 2023 with the passage of the Child Victims Act, which abolished the deadline for all civil childhood sex abuse cases in the state. Survivors of child sexual abuse may not come forward when they are ready and able to take legal action, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Maryland still has a civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases with adult victims. Abuse survivors who were adults when the incident occurred have just three years to file civil lawsuits against perpetrators or institutions that enabled the abuse.
Criminal Statute of Limitations
Maryland generally does not have a time limit for filiing felony charges over major crimes like rape and sexual assault. Likewise, there is also no time limit for misdemeanors punishable by prison time. However, lesser misdemeanor charges are governed by statutes of limitations that impose deadlines for filing charges.
Exceptions to The Statute of Limitations
In some sexual abuse cases where a statute of limitations still applies, Maryland’s discovery rule provides an exception, allowing plaintiffs additional time when the harm is not discovered until years later. In these cases, the statute of limitations clock begins to run on the date the plaintiff discovers the harm or reasonably should have known about it.
How the Law Has Changed In Maryland
After the passage of Maryland’s Child Victims Act in 2023, the Maryland Supreme Court confirmed its constitutionality in February 2025.
In April 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an amendment to the CVA to significantly lower the caps on potential compensation for victims in child sexual abuse claims. Because thousands of claims have been filed against state organizations and institutions in Maryland since the CVA passed, the state was facing billions of dollars in potential liability. To minimize this liability, the Maryland legislature cut potential damages in half, saving the state money at the expense of abuse survivors. However, the amendment did not affect the statutes of limitations.
Most children do not fully comprehend sexual abuse when it occurs, and many do not realize what happened to them until years later. Many abuse survivors fear retaliation if they come forward, while others are kept from coming forward by shame, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While the CVA was a starting point for removing limits on survivors’ ability to seek justice, there is still more work to be done in holding negligent institutions accountable and preventing future abuse.
Determining Eligibility to File
In Maryland, victims of sexual abuse have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against their abuser and any organization or institution that enabled the abuse. Understanding whether you’re still eligible to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Maryland depends on a few key factors, including:
- Age at the time of abuse – Survivors of sexual abuse that occurred before they turned 18 typically have more time to file than adult survivors.
- Type of case – Civil lawsuits may have different deadlines from criminal charges.
- When the abuse occurred – Laws have changed over time, so older cases may be treated differently, especially for adult survivors.
Because eligibility can vary based on every survivor’s specific situation, especially for childhood sexual abuse or claims against institutions, the best way to determine your eligibility with certainty is to speak with a qualified Maryland sexual abuse attorney.
Speak With a Maryland Sexual Abuse Attorney About Your Legal Options
As one of the country’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote has successfully represented some of the highest-profile sexual abuse cases of the modern era. Led by experienced, trauma-informed attorneys, we are committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families in Maryland and nationwide. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and engaging state laws, regulations, and procedures to help survivors hold the parties responsible for their abuse accountable.
With over 50 years of combined experience, Andreozzi + Foote’s Maryland attorneys exclusively focus on sexual abuse cases, offering knowledgeable legal advice tailored to each client’s unique situation. We strive to create a safe, supportive environment for survivors, handling each case with compassion and professionalism as we help victims seek justice. Together, we can fight for the safety and rights of sexual abuse survivors.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Maryland, no matter how long ago it occurred, you have legal rights and options for pursuing justice and compensation.
Get started on your journey to justice today with a free, confidential consultation with Andreozzi + Foote by calling 866-311-8640 or filling out our online contact form.
