§507. Limitations on actions

(a) Criminal Proceedings.-No criminal proceeding shall be maintained under the provisions of this title unless it is commenced within three years after the cause of action arose.

(b) Civil Actions.-No civil action shall be maintained under the provisions of this title unless it is commenced within three years after the claim accrued.

( Pub. L. 94–553, title I, §101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2586 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

house report no. 94–1476

Section 507, which is substantially identical with section 115 of the present law [section 115 of former title 17], establishes a three-year statute of limitations for both criminal proceedings and civil actions. The language of this section, which was adopted by the act of September 7, 1957 (71 Stat. 633) [ Pub. L. 85–313, §1, Sept. 7, 1957, 71 Stat. 633 ], represents a reconciliation of views, and has therefore been left unaltered.

Cross References

Limitation on prosecution, trial, or punishment of non-capital offenses generally, see section 3282 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.