Texas Code No Statute Felonies Guide – If you’re searching for a clear, up-to-date guide to Texas Code no statute felonies, you’re in the right place. Texas law allows prosecutors to file charges for certain serious felonies at any time—even decades after the offense occurred. This guide explains exactly which felonies fall under “no statute of limitations,” why they exist, recent 2025 updates, and what it means for Texas residents. All information is drawn directly from the official Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
What Does “No Statute of Limitations” Mean in Texas Criminal Law?
In Texas, most felonies must be charged within a specific time frame (3, 5, 7, or 10 years) under Article 12.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. However, a select group of the most serious offenses have no time limit. Prosecutors can present an indictment “at any time” after the crime.
This rule protects victims of violent or exploitative crimes—especially children—and ensures justice isn’t lost due to delayed reporting, DNA evidence, or cold-case breakthroughs. Texas law is strict: once the clock never starts, charges can be filed regardless of how much time has passed.
Important note for Texas residents: This applies only to state felonies. Federal crimes have their own rules, and misdemeanors generally have a 2-year limit.
Complete List of Texas Felonies with No Statute of Limitations (Article 12.01(1))
The official Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 12.01(1) lists every felony with no limitation period. Here is the current, complete list (current through the 89th Legislature, 2nd Called Session, 2025):
- (A) Murder and manslaughter
- (B) Sexual assault under Penal Code §22.011(a)(2) or aggravated sexual assault under Penal Code §22.021(a)(1)(B)
- (C) Sexual assault when:
- Biological matter (DNA) was collected but not yet tested, or testing shows it does not match the victim or any readily identified person; or
- Probable cause exists that the defendant committed the same or similar sex offense against five or more victims
- (D) Continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual (Penal Code §21.02)
- (E) Indecency with a child (Penal Code §21.11)
- (F) Leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death (Transportation Code §550.021)
- (G) Trafficking of persons under Penal Code §20A.02(a)(7) or (8)
- (H) Continuous trafficking of persons (Penal Code §20A.03)
- (I) Compelling prostitution under Penal Code §43.05(a)(2) or (3) (involving a child under 18 or disabled individual)
- (J) Tampering with physical evidence (Penal Code §37.09(a)(1) or (d)(1)) if the evidence is a human corpse or reasonably believed related to a homicide
- (K) Interference with child custody under Penal Code §25.03(a)(3)
- (L) Burglary (Penal Code §30.02) when the defendant entered a habitation intending to commit sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault and DNA evidence was collected that does not match the victim or any identified person
- (M) Failure to stop or report a sexual or assaultive offense against a child (Penal Code §38.17)
- (N) Continuous promotion of prostitution (Penal Code §43.032)
These are the only felonies explicitly granted no limitation under Texas law. All other felonies fall under 3-, 5-, 7-, or 10-year windows (or special rules for child victims).
Recent 2025 Updates to Texas No-Statute Felonies
The 89th Texas Legislature expanded the “no limitation” list effective September 1, 2025 (and some provisions December 4, 2025). Key additions include:
- Failure to stop or report sexual/assaultive offenses against children (Penal Code §38.17) — now permanently prosecutable.
- Continuous promotion of prostitution (Penal Code §43.032) — newly added to the no-limitation category.
- Enhanced protections for tampering with evidence related to homicides and certain child-custody interference cases.
These changes reflect Texas lawmakers’ focus on protecting children and closing loopholes in serious exploitation cases.
Why Texas Gives Certain Felonies No Time Limit?
Texas lawmakers determined that crimes involving loss of life, sexual violence against children, human trafficking, and related cover-ups are too grave to ever become “time-barred.” DNA technology, delayed victim reporting (common in child sex cases), and cold-case solvability justify unlimited prosecution windows. The goal is justice for victims and deterrence for the worst offenders.
How Statutes of Limitations Can Still Be Extended or Tolled?
Even for crimes with a time limit, Texas law “tolls” (pauses) the clock in specific situations:
- Defendant is outside Texas
- Victim is under 18 (special 10- or 20-year rules from the victim’s 18th birthday for many sex and trafficking offenses)
- DNA evidence is still being processed
These extensions do not apply to the true “no limitation” felonies listed above—they are already unlimited.
What This Means for Victims and Defendants in Texas?
For victims and families: You can report these offenses anytime. Law enforcement and prosecutors can investigate and charge years or decades later if new evidence emerges.
For anyone under investigation: If the alleged offense is on the no-limitation list, the passage of time offers no defense. Old cases can be reopened with modern forensics or witness statements.
Practical tip for Texas residents: If you are dealing with an old allegation, consult a licensed Texas criminal defense attorney immediately. Statutes of limitations are complex, and every case turns on specific facts and dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas No-Statute Felonies
Can murder charges be filed 30 years later in Texas?
Yes—murder and manslaughter have no statute of limitations.
What about sexual assault of a child?
No time limit. This includes continuous sexual abuse, indecency with a child, and many aggravated sexual assault cases.
Does DNA evidence create a no-limitation window for adult sexual assault?
Yes, if the DNA does not match the victim or any readily identified person.
Are there any new 2025 crimes added to the list?
Yes—failure to report/stop child sexual or assaultive offenses and continuous promotion of prostitution now have no limitation period.
Final Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on the current Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 12.01 as of 2026. It is not legal advice. Laws can change, and the application to your specific situation depends on many factors. Always consult a qualified Texas criminal defense attorney or the Texas District & County Attorneys Association resources for advice tailored to your case.
Stay informed about Texas criminal law. If you need help understanding how these rules apply to a specific situation in Texas, reach out to a local attorney today. Justice in Texas has no expiration date for the most serious felonies.