In criminal law, the statute of limitations sets the maximum time after an offense that legal proceedings may be initiated. The purpose of this limitation is to protect individuals from being accused of crimes committed too long ago where evidence may have deteriorated or witnesses may no longer be available. Different crimes have different statutes of limitations, depending on the severity of the offense and the jurisdiction. For example, murder typically has no statute of limitations, meaning a person can be charged with murder at any time after the crime is committed. On the other hand, lesser offenses like petty theft may have a much shorter statute of limitations, such as one or two years. It is important to be aware of the statute of limitations in criminal cases, as it can have a significant impact on the ability to prosecute or defend against criminal charges. Prosecutors must file charges within the designated time frame, or else they risk having the case dismissed. Similarly, defendants should be aware of their rights under the statute of limitations to ensure that they are not unfairly prosecuted for crimes committed in the distant past.