(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a prosecution for any misdemeanor must be commenced by the filing of the complaint or the finding of an indictment within one (1) year after its commission.
(2)  A prosecution for failure to report or failure to cause to be reported the abuse, abandonment, or neglect of a child as provided for in section 16-1605, Idaho Code, must be commenced by the filing of the complaint or the finding of an indictment within four (4) years after its commission.
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Terms Used In Idaho Code 19-403

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
(3)  A prosecution for misuse of funds as provided for in section 18-5702(1), Idaho Code, must be commenced by the filing of the complaint or the finding of an indictment within five (5) years after its commission.
(4)  A prosecution for a misdemeanor that was dismissed pursuant to section 19-3509, Idaho Code, must be refiled no later than two (2) years after its dismissal.