This article offers the reader useful information about the statute of limitations in Thailand.
Like every other country in the world, Thailand has statutes of limitations for legal cases. What exactly is the statute of limitation? It is the amount of time that must elapse in order for a person to be free from criminal charges. If a charge is not brought forward by a specific date, that charge can never be put forward.
Depending On The Charge
The statute of limitations varies depending on the charge:
- For charges that carry a death sentence, or a prison sentence of 15-20 years, the statute of limitations is set at 20 years.
- For charges that carry a prison sentence of at least 7 years but not more than 15 years, the statute of limitations is set at 15 years.
- For charges with a prison sentence of 1-7 years, the statute of limitations is set at 10 years.
- For charges that carry a prison sentence of between 1 month and 1 year, the statute of limitations is set at 5 years.
There are many reasons the statute of limitations come into play in a criminal case. If the defendant absconds in the middle of a trial and is not apprehended within the allowed time period, they cannot be tried for that offense. It might be that a defendant is deemed insane and the trial cannot proceed, or in the event the prosecution is unable to produce vital witnesses. If you are ever in need of a criminal lawyer or a litigation solicitor Bangkok offers, there are online solutions. Always go for the services of a reputable lawyer.
Litigation Cases
If you wish to claim compensation for a personal injury, the claim must be lodged within 90 days of the act taking place. If you are looking for some form of financial compensation, seek the advice of a good litigation lawyer and make sure you file the lawsuit within 90 days of the event occurring. The lawyer can tell you whether or not you have a chance of success and in some cases, the legal professional would advise the client not to pursue a course of legal action.
Defendant Disappears
It might sound strange, but bail is sometimes granted for a person charged with capital murder. It is not surprising that defendants abscond, change their identity and try to evade capture until the statute of limitations expires. Of course, the police do what they can to hunt down the fugitive; they are often successful and the defendant is extradited to face the charge. Prison escape is rare, yet there have been convicts that have successfully escaped prison and remained at large. Don’t forget that there is no statute of limitations if you have already been convicted and sentenced. If, on the other hand, the escaped prisoner has yet to be convicted, then the statute of limitations does apply.
If you are ever in need of legal assistance, you can search online for a local lawyer and let the legal professional offer you the best advice.
