New Hampshire
New Hampshire Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 18, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 18, 2026. · 12 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In New Hampshire, most civil claims including personal injury, fraud, and contract disputes carry a 3-year filing deadline under RSA 508:4, while felony prosecutions must begin within 6 years under RSA 625:8. Murder has no time limit, and civil sexual assault claims may be filed at any time.
Understanding filing deadlines is essential for anyone involved in a legal dispute in New Hampshire. The statute of limitations sets the maximum time a person has to file a lawsuit or the state has to bring criminal charges. Missing these deadlines almost always means losing the right to pursue a claim or prosecution permanently.
New Hampshire divides these time limits into two main categories: civil statutes of limitations (for lawsuits between private parties) and criminal statutes of limitations (for prosecution of crimes by the state). Each category has different deadlines depending on the type of case.
This guide covers every major filing deadline in New Hampshire, explains important exceptions and tolling rules, and provides the specific statutory references so you can verify each time limit through the official New Hampshire Revised Statutes.
Hurt in New Hampshire? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free New Hampshire personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and New Hampshire's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
New Hampshire Civil Statute of Limitations
New Hampshire's civil statute of limitations governs how long you have to file a lawsuit in state court. These deadlines come primarily from RSA Chapter 508 (Limitation of Actions). Once the applicable deadline passes, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss, and the court will grant it.
The clock typically starts on the date the injury or breach occurred, though New Hampshire courts apply a "discovery rule" in certain situations (discussed below).
Personal Injury Claims
New Hampshire provides 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies broadly to claims involving car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, assault, battery, and other negligence-based claims.
The governing statute is RSA 508:4, which covers all "personal actions" not specifically addressed by another statute.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice claims also fall under the 3-year statute of limitations in RSA 508:4. The clock generally starts on the date of the alleged malpractice.
However, New Hampshire applies the discovery rule to medical malpractice claims. If the injury and its connection to the provider's conduct were not and could not reasonably have been discovered at the time of the act or omission, the statute of limitations begins when the patient discovers or reasonably should have discovered the injury.
Wrongful Death
Under RSA 556:11, an action may be brought "at any time within 6 years after the death of the deceased party, subject to the provisions of RSA 508." That closing clause is easy to miss and it matters. The 6-year figure is not a free-standing deadline: the limitation periods in RSA chapter 508, including the 3-year period for personal actions in RSA 508:4, can govern the underlying claim. Do not assume a full 6 years is available. Treat the shorter period as your working deadline and have a New Hampshire attorney confirm which one applies to your case.
The administrator of the decedent's estate is the party responsible for bringing the claim. New Hampshire law allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages in wrongful death cases.
Property Damage
Claims for injury to personal property must be filed within 3 years under RSA 508:4. This includes damage to vehicles, personal belongings, or other tangible items caused by negligence or intentional conduct.
Defamation (Libel and Slander)
Defamation claims, whether for written statements (libel) or spoken statements (slander), must be filed within 3 years under RSA 508:4.
Fraud
Civil fraud claims carry a 3-year statute of limitations under RSA 508:4. The discovery rule may apply in fraud cases, since the nature of fraud often involves concealment that delays the plaintiff's awareness of the wrongful conduct. When the fraud was a scam by a business, our guide to New Hampshire scam and fraud laws explains whether the state's Consumer Protection Act lets you sue and where to file a complaint.
Product Liability
Product liability claims follow the general 3-year personal injury deadline under RSA 508:4. However, New Hampshire also has a product liability statute at RSA 507-D:2 that originally included a 12-year statute of repose. The New Hampshire Supreme Court found the 12-year repose period unconstitutional in Heath v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., 123 N.H. 512 (1983), held that the 3-year discovery-based period in RSA 507-D:2, I also denied products liability plaintiffs equal protection, and voided RSA 507-D:2 in its entirety.
Trespass
Ordinary trespass to land is a personal action, so it carries the general 3-year deadline under RSA 508:4.
The shorter 2-year period in RSA 539:8 is narrower than it first appears. By its terms it reaches only actions "under the provisions of this chapter," and the general wilful-trespass sections of chapter 539 (RSA 539:1 and RSA 539:2) were repealed effective January 1, 1996. What remains in the chapter is a short list of specific claims: damage to fences (RSA 539:3), removal of stone, gravel or soil (RSA 539:4), trespass on state lands (RSA 539:5), theft of utility services (RSA 539:7), and agricultural vandalism (RSA 539:9). Those claims, and only those, run on the 2-year limit.
Contract Disputes
New Hampshire applies different deadlines depending on the type of contract:
- Oral contracts: 3 years under RSA 508:4
- Ordinary written contracts (not under seal): 3 years under RSA 508:4
- Contracts under seal: 20 years under RSA 508:5
- Contracts for the sale of goods (UCC): 4 years under RSA 382-A:2-725
A signed written contract does not get the 20-year period simply because it is in writing. RSA 508:5 covers only "actions of debt upon judgments, recognizances, and contracts under seal," and a contract under seal is a formal sealed instrument. Every other contract claim is a personal action under RSA 508:4, which allows 3 years. RSA 508:5 also applies to actions on judgments and recognizances, providing the same 20-year deadline.
Construction Defects
Claims arising from deficiencies in real property improvements must be filed within 8 years of the date of substantial completion under RSA 508:4-b. "Substantial completion" means the construction is sufficiently finished so the owner can use the improvement for its intended purpose.
If the improvement carries an express written warranty longer than 8 years, the limitation period extends to match the warranty period.
Fraud does not remove the 8-year limit; it changes when the clock starts. Under RSA 508:4-b, V(a), actions involving fraudulent misrepresentation or the fraudulent concealment of material facts "shall be brought within 8 years after the date on which all relevant facts are, or with due care ought to be, discovered by the person bringing the action."
Sexual Assault (Civil Claims)
New Hampshire has eliminated the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault claims. Under RSA 508:4-g, a person who was subjected to an offense under RSA 632-A (sexual assault) or RSA 639:2 may file a civil lawsuit at any time, with no deadline.
Real Property Actions
Actions for the recovery of real estate must be brought within 20 years from the time the right to recover first accrued under RSA 508:2. Actions based on a right of re-entry or executory interest carry a shorter 5-year deadline.
Judgments
Actions to enforce court judgments must be brought within 20 years under RSA 508:5.
Complete Civil Statute of Limitations Table
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Medical Malpractice | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Wrongful Death | 6 years, subject to RSA 508 (the 3-year period may control) | RSA 556:11 |
| Property Damage | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Fraud | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Product Liability | 3 years | RSA 508:4 / RSA 507-D:2 |
| Trespass to Land (general) | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Claims Under RSA Chapter 539 (fences, stone/soil removal, state lands, utility service theft, agricultural vandalism) | 2 years | RSA 539:8 |
| Oral Contracts | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Written Contracts (Not Under Seal) | 3 years | RSA 508:4 |
| Contracts Under Seal | 20 years | RSA 508:5 |
| Sale of Goods (UCC) | 4 years | RSA 382-A:2-725 |
| Construction Defects | 8 years from substantial completion | RSA 508:4-b |
| Sexual Assault (Civil) | No limit | RSA 508:4-g |
| Recovery of Real Estate | 20 years | RSA 508:2 |
| Right of Re-Entry / Executory Interest | 5 years | RSA 508:2 |
| Judgments | 20 years | RSA 508:5 |
New Hampshire Criminal Statute of Limitations
New Hampshire's criminal statute of limitations determines how long prosecutors have to file charges after a crime has been committed. These time limits are found in RSA 625:8.
Crimes With No Time Limit
New Hampshire does not impose any filing deadline for murder. Prosecutors may bring murder charges at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime occurred.
Additionally, offenses under RSA 641:1 through 641:7 (perjury, false swearing, and related crimes) carry no time limit if they were committed to assist in a murder, conceal a murder, or hinder the investigation or apprehension of someone responsible for murder.
Felonies
For most felonies, the standard limitation periods are:
- Class A felonies: 6 years
- Class B felonies: 6 years
- Unemployment compensation offenses (RSA 282-A): 6 years
RSA 625:8, III then adds time in specific situations. Read its opening words carefully, because it grants an extension rather than a shorter substitute deadline: "If the period prescribed in paragraph I has expired, a prosecution may nevertheless be commenced" in the cases below. The offense keeps its ordinary period, and paragraph III gives the state a further window on top of it. These categories are also not limited to felonies.
- Sexual assault (victim under 18): Prosecution may begin within 22 years of the victim's 18th birthday under RSA 625:8(III)(d). This effectively gives victims until age 40 to report the crime.
- Game animals, fur-bearing animals, and guide licensing (RSA 208, RSA 210, RSA 215): within 3 years of the offense. RSA 215 is the guide registration and licensing chapter. Off-highway recreational vehicles sit in a separate chapter, RSA 215-A, which paragraph III(c) does not name, so OHRV offenses run on the ordinary period for their offense class.
- Misconduct in public office: At any time while the defendant holds public office, or within 2 years after leaving office
- Fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, or theft after lawful possession: within 1 year of discovery by an aggrieved party, on top of the ordinary period for the offense
- Human trafficking (RSA 633:7): 20 years, or within 20 years of the victim's 18th birthday if the victim was a minor
- Fire code violations (RSA 153:24, 153:5): within 1 year of discovery
- Evidence destruction, witness tampering, or other conduct that delayed discovery: within 1 year of discovery of the offense
- Violation-level offenses involving a motor vehicle accident that caused death or serious bodily injury: within 6 months of the accident. This reaches only violation-level charges, and it lengthens the ordinary 3-month violation period. Felony and misdemeanor charges arising from the same crash, such as negligent homicide, keep their own longer deadlines.
Misdemeanors and Violations
- Misdemeanors: Prosecution must begin within 1 year of the offense
- Violations: Prosecution must begin within 3 months of the offense
Complete Criminal Statute of Limitations Table
| Offense Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder | No limit | RSA 625:8(II) |
| Perjury/False Swearing (to assist murder) | No limit | RSA 625:8(III)(g) |
| Class A Felony | 6 years | RSA 625:8(I)(a) |
| Class B Felony | 6 years | RSA 625:8(I)(b) |
| Sexual Assault (Victim Under 18) | 22 years after victim's 18th birthday | RSA 625:8(III)(d) |
| Human Trafficking | 20 years | RSA 625:8(III)(i) |
| Human Trafficking (Victim Under 18) | 20 years after victim's 18th birthday | RSA 625:8(III)(i) |
| Unemployment Compensation Offenses | 6 years | RSA 625:8(I)(e) |
| Misconduct in Public Office | Ordinary period, plus any time in office and 2 years after leaving | RSA 625:8(III)(b) |
| Game, Fur-Bearing Animal, and Guide-Licensing Offenses (RSA 208, 210, 215) | Ordinary period, plus up to 3 years after the offense | RSA 625:8(III)(c) |
| Fraud, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, Theft After Lawful Possession | Ordinary period, plus 1 year after discovery | RSA 625:8(III)(a) |
| Evidence Tampering (Delayed Discovery) | Ordinary period, plus 1 year after discovery | RSA 625:8(III)(e) |
| Fire Code Violations | Ordinary period, plus 1 year after discovery | RSA 625:8(III)(f) |
| Motor Vehicle Accident Causing Death or Serious Injury (violation-level charges only) | 6 months from the accident, in place of the 3-month violation period | RSA 625:8(III)(h) |
| Misdemeanor | 1 year | RSA 625:8(I)(c) |
| Violation | 3 months | RSA 625:8(I)(d) |
Every RSA 625:8(III) entry above is an extension. Paragraph III applies "if the period prescribed in paragraph I has expired," so it adds time to the ordinary deadline for that offense class rather than replacing it with a shorter one.
Tolling and Exceptions in New Hampshire
Several situations can pause (toll) or extend the statute of limitations in New Hampshire. Understanding these exceptions is important because they can significantly change your filing deadline.
Discovery Rule
New Hampshire courts apply the "discovery rule" when an injury or wrong is inherently unknowable at the time it occurs. Under this doctrine, the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury through the exercise of reasonable diligence.
This rule commonly applies in medical malpractice, fraud, toxic exposure, and latent defect cases where the harm may not become apparent for months or years after the wrongful act.
Defendant's Absence From the State
Under RSA 508:9, if the defendant was absent from and residing outside New Hampshire at the time the cause of action accrued (or left the state afterward), the time of absence is excluded from the statute of limitations calculation. The clock pauses while the defendant is out of state and resumes when they return.
For criminal cases, RSA 625:8(VI) provides a similar tolling rule. The statute of limitations does not run during any period when the accused is continuously absent from the state or has no reasonably ascertainable place of residence or employment within New Hampshire.
Tolling for Minors and Persons With Disabilities
Under RSA 508:8, if the injured person is a minor (under 18) or is mentally incompetent at the time the cause of action arises, they have 2 years after the disability is removed to file a personal action. For minors, this means 2 years after turning 18. For mentally incompetent persons, this means 2 years after regaining competency.
Pending Prosecution (Criminal)
Under RSA 625:8(VI), the criminal statute of limitations also does not run during any time when a prosecution is already pending against the accused based on the same conduct.
Theft With Lawful Possession
For theft cases where the accused lawfully obtained possession of property and then misappropriated it, prosecution may begin within 1 year of discovery by an aggrieved party, even if the standard statute of limitations has expired (RSA 625:8(III)(a)).
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
If you fail to file a civil lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires, the defendant can raise it as an affirmative defense and file a motion to dismiss. New Hampshire courts consistently enforce these deadlines, and a dismissal on statute of limitations grounds is permanent. The claim is lost forever.
For criminal cases, if prosecutors attempt to bring charges after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant can move to dismiss the indictment. The court must grant the motion unless the state can prove that a tolling exception applies.
Filing an insurance claim or negotiating a settlement does not pause or extend the statute of limitations. The clock continues to run during these activities, so you should stay aware of deadlines even while settlement discussions are ongoing.
Practical Tips for Filing in New Hampshire
- Document the date of injury or discovery carefully. The exact start date of the statute of limitations can determine whether your case survives a motion to dismiss.
- Consult a New Hampshire attorney early. An attorney can identify which statute of limitations applies to your specific situation and whether any tolling provisions might extend your deadline.
- Do not rely on settlement negotiations to protect your rights. The statute of limitations runs during negotiations. If settlement talks stall, you may need to file suit to preserve your claim.
- Keep records of all communications. Documentation of when you discovered an injury or defect is critical if the discovery rule becomes an issue.
- Check for special deadlines. Some claim types in New Hampshire have unique filing requirements beyond the general statute of limitations. For example, construction defect claims have an 8-year repose period, and product liability claims follow special rules under RSA 507-D.
More New Hampshire Laws
- New Hampshire Car Accident Laws
- New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws
- New Hampshire Expungement Laws
- New Hampshire Slip and Fall Laws
- New Hampshire Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire provides a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims under RSA 508:4. The clock generally starts on the date the injury occurred. If the injury was not immediately discoverable, the discovery rule may delay the start of the 3-year period until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury.
Is there a statute of limitations for murder in New Hampshire?
No. New Hampshire does not impose any time limit on prosecuting murder under RSA 625:8(II). Prosecutors may bring murder charges at any time, regardless of how many years have passed since the crime occurred.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract claim in New Hampshire?
The deadline depends on the type of contract. Oral contracts and ordinary written contracts both carry a 3-year statute of limitations under RSA 508:4. The 20-year period in RSA 508:5 applies only to judgments, recognizances, and contracts under seal, which are formal sealed instruments rather than any agreement in writing. Contracts for the sale of goods under the UCC carry a 4-year deadline under RSA 382-A:2-725.
Can the statute of limitations be paused or extended in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire law provides several tolling provisions. The statute of limitations may be paused if the plaintiff is a minor or mentally incompetent (RSA 508:8), if the defendant is absent from the state (RSA 508:9), or if the injury was not immediately discoverable (discovery rule). For criminal cases, the clock stops while the accused is absent from the state or already facing prosecution for the same conduct.
What is the statute of limitations for sexual assault in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has eliminated the civil statute of limitations for sexual assault claims under RSA 508:4-g, allowing victims to sue at any time. For criminal prosecution, sexual assault against a victim under 18 must be prosecuted within 22 years of the victim's 18th birthday under RSA 625:8(III)(d). Murder may be prosecuted at any time.
Updates
Corrected the description of Heath v. Sears, Roebuck & Co. to reflect that the court struck down both the 12-year repose period and the 3-year discovery-based period in RSA 507-D:2.
Corrected New Hampshire's criminal limitation table and prose (RSA 625:8, III adds time rather than replacing the ordinary period, RSA 215 is guide licensing rather than off-highway vehicles, and the 6-month motor-vehicle window covers violation-level charges only), added the missing 3-year deadline for ordinary written contracts, noted that RSA 556:11's 6-year wrongful death period is subject to RSA 508, corrected the construction-defect fraud rule, and limited the 2-year RSA 539:8 trespass period to claims actually brought under chapter 539.
Fixed dead citation links across the page: 10 New Hampshire statute citations and 13 inline body links pointed to a domain (gencourt.state.nh.us) that no longer resolves; repointed all of them to the working gc.nh.gov mirror. Also corrected two wrong statute pinpoint citations: the theft/fraud one-year-discovery rule is RSA 625:8(III)(a), not (II), and the no-limit murder rule is RSA 625:8(II), not (IV).
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes
Corrected 2 statute-attribution/legal-fact errors verified against primary sources.
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Governing law re-checked for recent changes
Reviewed and approved by an editor
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LII ACTIONS, PROCESS, AND SERVICE OF PROCESS, CHAPTER 508 LIMITATION OF ACTIONS
§ 508:4Personal Actions.In forcecited in 12 of our articles
I. Except as otherwise provided by law, all personal actions, except actions for slander or libel, may be brought only within 3 years of the act or omission complained of, except that when the injury and its causal relationship to the act or omission were not discovered and could not reasonably have been discovered at the time of the act or omission, the action shall be commenced within 3 years of the time the plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury and its causal relationship to the act or omission complained of. II. Personal actions for slander or libel, unless otherwise provided by law, may be brought only within 3 years of the time the cause of action accrued.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 304 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Kelleher v. Marvin Lumber & Cedar Co. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2005, 152 N.H. 813)“…96, and, therefore, even if the discovery rule exception to RSA 508:4, I (1997) applied, the plaintiff still…”
- Beane v. Dana S. Beane & Co., P.C. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2010, 160 N.H. 708)“…ver, because in that case we interpreted a prior version of RSA 508:4 (Supp. 1973), which did not expressly s…”
- Keeton v. Hustler Magazine, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1988, 131 N.H. 6)“…utes of limitations for many causes of action, see, e.g., RSA 508:4 (Supp. 1987), and our liberal discovery…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Hampshire Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, New Hampshire Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Debt Collection Laws by State: Garnishment, SOL, and Repossession Rules
§ 508:5Specialties.In force
Actions of debt upon judgments, recognizances, and contracts under seal may be brought within 20 years after the cause of action accrued, and not afterward.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Griffin v. Avery (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1980, 120 N.H. 783)“…udgments” within the meaning of the statute of limitations, RSA 508:5. We hold that they are not. In t…”
- Norwood Group, Inc. v. Phillips (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2003, 149 N.H. 722)“…application of the twenty-year statute of limitations under RSA 508:5 (1997), is appropriate when the defenda…”
- McBurney v. Shaw (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2002, 148 N.H. 248)“…n period for actions of debt upon a judgment expires. See RSA 508:5 (1997). The plaintiff also asserts that…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 508:2Real Actions.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
I. No action for the recovery of real estate shall be brought after 20 years from the time the right to recover first accrued to the party claiming it or to some persons under whom the party claims. II. No action for the recovery of real estate pursuant to rights based on a possibility of reverter, right of re-entry, or executory interest shall be brought after 5 years from the time the right to recover possession or the right of re-entry first accrued to the party claiming it or to some persons under whom the party claims.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-08 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Jenot v. White Mountain Acceptance Corp. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1984, 124 N.H. 701)“…collection of the promissory note, under the provisions of RSA 508:2 and RSA 508:6, beyond the three-year co…”
- Del Norte, Inc. v. Provencher (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1997, 142 N.H. 535)“…provided for actions upon notes secured by mortgages, see RSA 508:2, :6 (1997), because foreclosure of the…”
- O'Hearne v. McCLAMMER (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2012, 163 N.H. 430)“…rred by the twenty-year statute of limitations set forth in RSA 508:2 (2010), which the court determined had…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Hampshire Easement and Eminent Domain Laws (2026), New Hampshire Squatters Rights and Adverse Possession Laws (2026)
§ 508:9Defendant's Absence.In force
If the defendant in a personal action was absent from and residing out of the state at the time the cause of action accrued, or afterward, the time of such absence shall be excluded in computing the time limited for bringing the action.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2003
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Bolduc v. Richards (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1958, 101 N.H. 303)“…ded in computing the time limited for bringing the action.” RSA 508:9. The statute relating to obtaini…”
- Doggett v. Town of North Hampton Zoning Board of Adjustment (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1994, 138 N.H. 744)“…RSA 508:3 (1983) (disabilities regarding real actions); RSA 508:9 (1983) (defendant’s absence). The ZBA a…”
- Atwood v. Bursch (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1966, 107 N.H. 189)“…08:4) runs only in favor of those who are within the state. RSA 508:9. The plaintiff was appointed adm…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 508:8Disabilities.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
An infant or mentally incompetent person may bring a personal action within 2 years after such disability is removed.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Norton v. Patten (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1984, 125 N.H. 413)“…ched the age of majority to bring a personal injury action. RSA 508:8 (“an infant . . . may bring a personal…”
- Desaulnier v. Manchester School District (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1995, 140 N.H. 336)“…ed in ruling her suit barred by the statute of limitations, RSA 508:8 (1983). We reverse and remand. *337…”
- Steir v. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2003, 150 N.H. 212)“…hether the New Hampshire disability tolling provision under RSA 508:8 relieves Steir of strict observance of…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in New Hampshire (2026): Deadlines & Caps, New Hampshire Slip and Fall Laws: Proving Premises Liability
§ 508:4-bDamages From Construction.In force
I. Except as otherwise provided in this section, all actions to recover damages for injury to property, injury to the person, wrongful death or economic loss arising out of any deficiency in the creation of an improvement to real property, including without limitation the design, labor, materials, engineering, planning, surveying, construction, observation, supervision or inspection of that improvement, shall be brought within 8 years from the date of substantial completion of the improvement, and not thereafter. II. The term "substantial completion" means that construction is sufficiently complete so that an improvement may be utilized by its owner or lawful possessor for the purposes intended. In the case of a phased project with more than one substantial completion date, the 8-year period of limitations for actions involving systems designed to serve the entire project shall not begin until all phases of the project are substantially complete. III. If an improvement to real property is expressly warranted or guaranteed in writing for a period longer than 8 years, the period of limitation set out in paragraph I shall extend to equal the longer period of warranty or guarantee.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 16 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Big League Entertainment, Inc. v. Brox Industries, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2003, 149 N.H. 480)“…was subject to an eight-year statute of limitations, see RSA 508:4-b, I (1997), or, alternatively, that the…”
- Henderson Clay Products, Inc. v. Edgar Wood & Associates, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1982, 122 N.H. 800)“…s case comes to us on appeal from the granting, pursuant to RSA 508:4-b, of a motion to dismiss an indemnity cl…”
- Lamprey v. Britton Construction, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2012, 163 N.H. 252)“…statutes of limitations and repose. See RSA 508:4 (2010); RSA 508:4-b (2010). We affirm in part, reverse in p…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 508:4-gActions Based on Sexual Assault and Related Offenses.In force
A person, alleging to have been subjected to any offense under RSA 632-A or an offense under RSA 639:2 may commence a personal action at any time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 6 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ball v. Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2025, 2025 N.H. 45)“…ues the trial court erred in: (1) determining that applying RSA 508:4-g (Supp. 2024), which was amended in 2020…”
- Larissa Troy v. Bishop Guertin High School & a. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2023)“…which, pursuant to the discovery rule set forth in former RSA 508:4-g, II (2010) (amended 2020), tolled the s…”
- Michaud v. McAnaney, et al. (District Court, D. New Hampshire 2007, 2007 DNH 118)“…3 In defendant's view, the plain language of RSA 508:4-g entitles her to judgment as a matter o…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LXII CRIMINAL CODE, CHAPTER 625 PRELIMINARY
§ 625:8Limitations.In force
I. Except as otherwise provided in this section, prosecutions are subject to the following periods of limitations: (a) For a class A felony, 6 years; (b) For a class B felony, 6 years; (c) For a misdemeanor, one year; (d) For a violation, 3 months. (e) For an offense defined by RSA 282-A, 6 years. (f) For an offense defined in RSA 638:1, III-a, 2 years. II. Murder may be prosecuted at any time. II-a. [Repealed.] III. If the period prescribed in paragraph I has expired, a prosecution may nevertheless be commenced: (a) Within one year after its discovery by an aggrieved party or by a person who has a duty to represent such person and who is himself not a party to the offense for a theft where possession of the property was lawfully obtained and subsequently misappropriated or for any offense, a material element of which is either fraud or a breach of fiduciary duty. (b) For any offense based upon misconduct in office by a public servant, at any time when the defendant is in public office or within 2 years thereafter. (c) For any offense under RSA 208, RSA 210, or RSA 215, within 3 years thereafter.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 25 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2021
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Martin (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1994, 138 N.H. 508)“…rguing that the applicable six-year statute of limitations, RSA 625:8,1 (1986), had expired, and that retrosp…”
- State v. Hamel (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1994, 138 N.H. 392)“…fense, the applicable statute of limitations was six years. RSA 625:8 (1986); see also RSA 632-A:7 (1986).…”
- State v. Sampson (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1980, 120 N.H. 251)“…limitations applicable to misdemeanors had long since run. RSA 625:8 1(c). The defendant bases his co…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LV PROCEEDINGS IN SPECIAL CASES, CHAPTER 539 WILFUL TRESPASS
§ 539:8Limitation of Actions.In force
No action under the provisions of this chapter shall be maintained unless begun within two years after the cause of action accrued.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1993
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Black Bear Lodge v. Trillium Corp. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1993, 136 N.H. 635)“…N.H. 476, 479 , 464 A.2d 279, 282 (1983) (interpreting RSA 539:8); Roberts v. Richard & Sons, Inc.,…”
- French v. R. S. Audley, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1983, 123 N.H. 476)“…laiming the benefit of the two-year statute of limitations, RSA 539:8. They contend that the activities at is…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 539:3Damages to Fences; Penalty.In force
Whoever shall knowingly throw down, damage, or leave open any fence, gate, or bar belonging to or enclosing land held in common, or belonging to another person, or shall aid in such act, shall forfeit to the person injured treble damages, and shall be guilty of a violation.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 1976
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Woodburn v. Chapman (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1976, 116 N.H. 503)“…s for trespasses involving mill logs. See also RSA 539:3 and :4. These statutes are punitive.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 539:4Stone, Etc.In force
Whoever shall willfully and unlawfully dig or carry away any stone, including stone from a stone wall, ore, gravel, clay, sand, turf, mold, or loam upon or from land holden in common or from the land of another person, or shall aid therein, shall forfeit to the person injured treble damages based on the cost of materials and restoration, and including attorney's fees and costs.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 3 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2017
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- French v. R. S. Audley, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1983, 123 N.H. 476)“…removal of trees, as well as treble damages allowed under RSA 539:4 with respect to the wilful…”
- Allgeyer v. Lincoln (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1984, 125 N.H. 503)“…f five times the value of forest product wrongfully taken); RSA 539:4 (forfeiture of treble damages for wrong…”
- Jeffrey Alan Knott v. Henry P. Moscone & a. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2017)“…hat the plaintiff was not entitled to attorney’s fees under RSA 539:4 (Supp. 2016), because that statute conc…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 539:5State Lands.In force
Whoever shall, without authority, wilfully enter into or upon, or take possession of, land belonging to the state, and continue in possession thereof without right for the space of three months, shall forfeit one hundred dollars, to the use of the state.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
§ 539:7Theft of Utility Services.In force
I. A person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, if a natural person, or a felony, if any other person, who: (a) Knowingly injures, destroys, or causes to be injured or destroyed any meter, pipe, conduit, wire, line, post, lamp or other device or attachment belonging to a person or corporation engaged in the manufacture or sale of electricity, gas, water, or telephone communications services; (b) Knowingly interferes with the proper action or just registration of any meter or other recording device belonging to a person or corporation described in subparagraph (a); (c) Knowingly participates in causing the prohibited result in either subparagraph (a) or (b); or (d) Without the consent of the person or corporation described in subparagraph (a), knowingly diverts, causes to be diverted, or allows to be diverted for his use any utility service from such person or corporation. II.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2013
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Neenan v. CitiMortgage (District Court, D. New Hampshire 2013, 2013 DNH 163)“…Criminal Trespass; Count I I , Theft of Utility Services (RSA 539:7); Count I I I , Unfair & Deceptive Trad…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 539:9Agricultural Vandalism; Penalties.In force
I. Whoever shall recklessly cut, fell, destroy, injure, damage, cause to be damaged, carry away, consume, tamper with, worry, or vandalize any legal crop or legal crop bearing tree or plant, Christmas tree, cropland, pasture or pasture land, livestock or other farm raised animals, as defined in RSA 21:34-a, and all farm buildings, enclosures, structures, or equipment used in the care and production of crops, livestock or other farm raised animals, or aid in such action without permission of the owner, shall forfeit to the person injured a minimum of $500 or up to 10 times the market value or repair cost, whichever amount is higher. II. A person who violates the provisions of paragraph I shall also be guilty of a class B felony if the actual loss or cost of repair is $10,000 or more, or a misdemeanor if the actual loss or cost of repair is less than $10,000.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LVI PROBATE COURTS AND DECEDENTS' ESTATES, CHAPTER 556 SUITS BY AND AGAINST ADMINISTRATORS
§ 556:11New Action.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
If an action is not then pending, one may be brought for such cause at any time within 6 years after the death of the deceased party, subject to the provisions of RSA 508.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 27 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Gould v. Concord Hospital (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1985, 126 N.H. 405)“…Temple, J.) held that the two-year limitations period in RSA 556:11 had run and dismissed the negligence an…”
- Wallace v. Wallace (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1980, 120 N.H. 675)“…is whether a death action may be *676 maintained under RSA 556:11 on behalf of an aborted nonviable fetus…”
- Cheever v. Southern New Hampshire Regional Medical Center (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1997, 141 N.H. 589)“…to dismiss, arguing that the action was time-barred because RSA 556:11 (Supp. 1996) provides for a three-year…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Motorcycle Accident Laws in New Hampshire (2026): Deadlines, Truck Accident Laws in New Hampshire (2026): Deadlines & Liability, New Hampshire Wrongful Death Laws (2026): Deadlines
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LXII CRIMINAL CODE, CHAPTER 633 INTERFERENCE WITH FREEDOM
§ 633:7Trafficking in Persons.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
I. (a) It is a class A felony to knowingly compel a person against his or her will to perform a service or labor, including a commercial sex act or a sexually-explicit performance, for the benefit of another, where the compulsion is accomplished by any of the following means: (1) Causing or threatening to cause serious harm to any person. (2) Confining the person unlawfully as defined in RSA 633:2, II, or threatening to so confine the person. (3) Abusing or threatening abuse of law or legal process. (4) Destroying, concealing, removing, confiscating, or otherwise making unavailable to that person any actual or purported passport or other immigration document, or any other actual or purported government identification document. (5) Threatening to commit a crime against the person. (6) False promise relating to the terms and conditions of employment, education, marriage, or financial support. (7) Threatening to reveal any information sought to be kept concealed by the person which relates to the person's legal status or which would expose the person to criminal liability. (8) Facilitating or controlling the person's access to an addictive controlled substance.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 1 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2021
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Brooks v. D'Errico (District Court, D. Massachusetts 2021)“…nd 1449; 42 U.S.C. §§ 1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986; and N.H. RSA § 633:7. Defendants move to dismiss all claims…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Hampshire Age of Consent Laws: Statutes and Reporting
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LII ACTIONS, PROCESS, AND SERVICE OF PROCESS, CHAPTER 507-D PRODUCT LIABILITY ACTIONS
§ 507-D:2Limitation of Product Liability Actions.In force
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all product liability actions must be commenced within the following time limits and not otherwise: I. Within 3 years of the time the injury is, or should, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, have been discovered by the plaintiff; and II. (a) No later than 12 years after the manufacturer of the final product parted with its possession and control or sold it, whichever occurred last; or (b) Where the defendant is a lessor, bailor or licensor of a product who is under a legal duty to inspect, maintain, repair, modify, alter or improve the product in question, no later than 12 years after the time at which the defendant ceases to have the use, possession or control of the product or ceases to be under the legal duty to inspect, maintain, repair, modify or improve it; or (c) Where the plaintiff's action is based upon a legal duty imposed by any governmental regulatory agency to alter, repair, recall, inspect or issue warnings or instructions about the product or otherwise to take any action or precaution for the benefit of the injured party, which legal duty arose after the defendant parted with possession and control of the product…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 5 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2023
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Heath v. Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1983, 123 N.H. 512)“…ause of the twelve-year statute of limitations contained in RSA 507-D:2, 11(a) (Supp. 1979). In case No.…”
- Martin v. Gardner Machine Works, Inc. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1980, 120 N.H. 433)“…ases present identical issues concerning the application of RSA 507-D:2 II (Supp. 1979) to causes of action tha…”
- Phaneuf Funeral Home v. Little Giant Pump Co. (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2012, 163 N.H. 727)“…repose did apply to its claims, the applicable one would be RSA 507-D:2 (2010), which established a twelve-year…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated, TITLE LXII CRIMINAL CODE, CHAPTER 639 OFFENSES AGAINST THE FAMILY
§ 639:2Incest.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he or she marries or engages in sexual penetration as defined in RSA 632-A:1, V, or lives together with, under the representation of being married, a person 18 years or older whom he or she knows to be his or her ancestor, descendant, brother, or sister, of the whole or half blood, or an uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece; provided, however, that no person under the age of 18 shall be liable under this section if the other party is at least 3 years older at the time of the act. The relationships referred to herein include blood relationships without regard to legitimacy, stepchildren, and relationships of parent and child by adoption. II. In cases of alleged incest where the victim is under the age of 18 when the alleged offense occurred, the statute of limitations shall run pursuant to RSA 625:8, III(d). III. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph I, a person convicted of incest where the victim is under the age of 18 shall be sentenced to a maximum sentence which is not to exceed 20 years and a minimum which is not to exceed 1/2 the maximum.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at gc.nh.gov
Cited in 13 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Goodrow v. Perrin (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1979, 119 N.H. 483)“…ible to marry, he marries another." (Emphasis added.) Under RSA 639:2, a person is guilty of incest if he "ma…”
- State v. Yates (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 2005, 152 N.H. 245)“…1996) (prohibiting marriage to multiple spouses); “Incest,” RSA 639:2 (Supp. 2004) (prohibiting marriage, sex…”
- State v. Carroll (Supreme Court of New Hampshire 1980, 120 N.H. 458)“…BROCK, J. The defendant was found guilty of incest (RSA 639:2) after a jury trial in the Rockingham C…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: New Hampshire Expungement Laws: How Record Annulment Works Under RSA 651:5
Sources and References
- RSA 508:4 - Personal Actions(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:5 - Specialties (Contracts Under Seal, Judgments)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 625:8 - Criminal Limitations(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 539:8 - Trespass Limitation of Actions(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:4-g - Actions Based on Sexual Assault(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:4-b - Damages From Construction(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:9 - Defendant's Absence (Tolling)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:8 - Disabilities (Minor/Incompetent Tolling)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 508:2 - Real Actions (Property Recovery)(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 507-D:2 - Product Liability Limitation(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 556:11 - Wrongful Death Actions(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA 633:7 - Trafficking in Persons(gc.nh.gov).gov
- RSA Chapter 539 section index (RSA 539:1 and 539:2 repealed eff. Jan. 1, 1996)(gc.nh.gov)
- NH RSA Title XVIII chapter list (RSA 215 Registration and Licensing of Guides; RSA 215-A Off Highway Recreational Vehicles)(gc.nh.gov)