Texas
Texas 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. · 6 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Texas imposes a 2-year filing deadline for personal injury claims under CPRC §16.003 and a 4-year deadline for written contracts and fraud under §16.004. Criminally, murder and most sexual offenses carry no time limit under CCP art. 12.01, and most misdemeanors must be prosecuted within 2 years.
Understanding filing deadlines in Texas can mean the difference between winning your case and losing it before you ever step foot in a courtroom. The statute of limitations sets the maximum amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or the state has to bring criminal charges. Once that window closes, the right to pursue the claim is gone for good.
Texas law splits these deadlines 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 under Texas law, explains important exceptions and tolling rules, and provides specific statutory references you can verify through the official Texas Legislature website.
Hurt in Texas? If you are still within the deadline above, you can estimate what your injury claim may be worth with our free Texas personal injury settlement calculator. It gives an instant range based on your medical costs and Texas's fault rule (general information, not legal advice).
Texas Civil Statute of Limitations
Texas civil filing deadlines are found primarily in Chapter 16 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code (CPRC). If you miss the applicable deadline, the defendant can file a motion to dismiss, and the court will grant it. Your claim is lost permanently.
The clock generally starts on the date the injury or breach occurred, though Texas courts do apply a "discovery rule" in limited circumstances.
Personal Injury
Texas provides 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to car accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, assault, battery, and most other negligence claims. The governing statute is CPRC §16.003(a).
Sexual Assault (Civil Claims)
CPRC §16.0045 sets two different civil deadlines. Adult-victim sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, trafficking, and compelling prostitution claims must be filed within 5 years. Claims arising from the sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, continuous sexual abuse, trafficking, or compelling prostitution of a CHILD carry a much longer 30-year deadline under the same section. This extended deadline recognizes that survivors of sexual violence, especially survivors who were abused as children, often need many years to come forward.
Wrongful Death
A wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within 2 years of the date of death under CPRC §16.003(b). The clock starts on the date of death, not the date of the underlying injury.
Medical Malpractice
Health care liability claims must be filed within 2 years of the treatment or breach under CPRC §74.251. Texas also imposes a hard 10-year statute of repose, meaning no medical malpractice claim can be filed more than 10 years after the act that caused the injury, regardless of when the injury was discovered.
For minors under 12, the filing deadline extends until the child turns 14. Sending a notice of claim under CPRC §74.051 tolls the statute of limitations for 75 days.
Property Damage
Claims for damage to personal property, including vehicle damage, must be filed within 2 years under CPRC §16.003(a).
Trespass
Trespass claims carry a 2-year statute of limitations under CPRC §16.003(a).
Defamation (Libel and Slander)
Defamation claims, whether for written statements (libel) or spoken statements (slander), must be filed within 1 year under CPRC §16.002(a). This is one of the shortest deadlines in Texas civil law.
Fraud
Civil fraud claims must be filed within 4 years under CPRC §16.004(a)(4). The discovery rule may apply if the fraud was concealed.
Breach of Contract
Texas applies a 4-year statute of limitations to breach of written contract claims under CPRC §16.004(a)(3). Oral contracts may also fall under this deadline depending on the nature of the claim.
Debt Collection
Actions to collect on a debt or account must be filed within 4 years under CPRC §16.004(a)(3). After the limitations period expires, the debt becomes "time-barred" and creditors lose the ability to sue for collection, though the debt itself does not disappear.
Sale of Goods (UCC)
For contracts involving the sale of goods under the Uniform Commercial Code, Texas provides a 4-year statute of limitations under Business and Commerce Code §2.725.
Product Liability
Product liability claims follow the general 2-year personal injury deadline. However, Texas also imposes a 15-year statute of repose under CPRC §16.012, meaning claims generally cannot be brought more than 15 years after the product was sold, regardless of when the injury occurred.
Construction Defects
Claims against builders or contractors for defects in improvements to real property must be filed within 10 years of substantial completion under CPRC §16.009. This is a statute of repose that applies to the design, planning, or construction of improvements.
Judgments
Under CPRC §34.001, a judgment becomes dormant if no writ of execution is issued within 10 years of rendition. Creditors have an additional 2 years to file a revival motion. Child support judgments are exempt from this rule.
Residual Limitations Period
For any civil action that does not have a specific statute of limitations, CPRC §16.051 provides a default 4-year deadline.
Complete Civil Statute of Limitations Table
| Case Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury | 2 years | CPRC §16.003(a) |
| Sexual Assault (Civil, Adult Victim) | 5 years | CPRC §16.0045 |
| Sexual Assault (Civil, Child Victim) | 30 years | CPRC §16.0045 |
| Wrongful Death | 2 years | CPRC §16.003(b) |
| Medical Malpractice | 2 years (10-year repose) | CPRC §74.251 |
| Property Damage | 2 years | CPRC §16.003(a) |
| Trespass | 2 years | CPRC §16.003(a) |
| Defamation (Libel/Slander) | 1 year | CPRC §16.002(a) |
| Fraud | 4 years | CPRC §16.004(a)(4) |
| Breach of Contract (Written) | 4 years | CPRC §16.004(a)(3) |
| Debt Collection | 4 years | CPRC §16.004(a)(3) |
| Sale of Goods (UCC) | 4 years | BCC §2.725 |
| Product Liability | 2 years (15-year repose) | CPRC §16.003, §16.012 |
| Construction Defects | 10 years (repose) | CPRC §16.009 |
| Judgments | 10 years (dormancy) | CPRC §34.001 |
| All Other Civil Actions | 4 years (residual) | CPRC §16.051 |
Texas Criminal Statute of Limitations
Texas criminal filing deadlines are found in Chapter 12 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP). These time limits determine how long prosecutors have to bring charges after a crime has been committed.
Crimes With No Time Limit
Texas imposes no statute of limitations on the following offenses under CCP Art. 12.01(1):
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of a CHILD
- Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of an adult, but only in DNA-evidence or serial-offender cases described in Art. 12.01(1)(C)
- Continuous sexual abuse of a young child
- Indecency with a child
- Compelling prostitution of a person younger than 18
- Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death (hit and run)
General adult sexual assault that does not fall into one of those DNA-evidence or serial-offender categories is not on the no-limit list. It carries a 10-year deadline under CCP Art. 12.01(2), the same as the other 10-year felonies below.
The 2023 passage of HB 1769 further extended protections for child victims by broadening the offenses against minors that carry no limitations period.
Felonies With 10-Year Limits
The following felonies must be prosecuted within 10 years under CCP Art. 12.01(2):
- Sexual assault of adults (certain circumstances)
- Human trafficking offenses
- Theft by a public servant or fiduciary
- Forgery
- Injury to an elderly or disabled person
- Arson
Felonies With 7-Year Limits
Under CCP Art. 12.01(3) and as updated by SB 2798 (effective September 1, 2025), these felonies carry a 7-year limitation:
- Most fraud offenses under Penal Code Chapter 32. The subdivision is not uniform: it applies "except as provided by Subdivision (2)(C) or (J)," so forgery and real property fraud under Penal Code §32.60 stay on the 10-year list
- Misapplication of fiduciary property or property of a financial institution
- Money laundering
- Credit card or debit card abuse
- Identity theft
- Exploitation of a child, elderly, or disabled person
- Bigamy
- Certain tax crimes
- Execution of document by deception
Felonies With 5-Year Limits
The following carry a 5-year limitation under CCP Art. 12.01(4):
- Theft, burglary, and robbery (not listed above)
- Insurance fraud
- Abandoning or endangering an elderly or disabled individual (Art. 12.01(4)(E))
Abandoning or endangering a child is not on this list. That offense falls under Art. 12.01(7)(C), which gives prosecutors 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday.
Other Felonies
All other felonies not specifically listed must be prosecuted within 3 years under CCP Art. 12.01(11), the catch-all subdivision for "all other felonies."
Misdemeanors
Most misdemeanors must be prosecuted within 2 years from the date the crime was committed under CCP Art. 12.02(a). That subsection applies "except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c)," and those two exceptions each allow 3 years:
- Misdemeanor assault against a family or household member or dating partner under Penal Code §22.01: 3 years from the date of the offense (Art. 12.02(b)).
- Failure to report child abuse or neglect punishable as a Class A misdemeanor: 3 years from the date the offense was discovered (Art. 12.02(c)).
Crimes Against Children (Extended Deadlines)
Texas does not apply one blanket extension to every offense against a child, and these deadlines are not tied to the 10-year list. Three separate subdivisions of Art. 12.01 set their own clocks:
- 20 years from the victim's 18th birthday under Art. 12.01(5) for kidnapping and aggravated kidnapping, and for the burglary-with-sexual-intent variant described in that subdivision, but only if the investigation shows the victim was younger than 17 when the offense was committed.
- 20 years from the victim's 18th birthday under Art. 12.01(6) for trafficking of a child under Penal Code §20A.02(a)(5) or (6) and sexual performance by a child under §43.25. That subdivision states no separate age condition.
- 10 years from the victim's 18th birthday under Art. 12.01(7) for injury to a child, bigamy involving a person younger than 18, and abandoning or endangering a child.
Complete Criminal Statute of Limitations Table
| Offense Type | Time Limit | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Murder / Manslaughter | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(A) |
| Sexual Assault / Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(B) |
| Sexual Assault of an Adult (DNA Evidence or Serial-Offender Cases Only) | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(C) |
| Sexual Assault of an Adult (General) | 10 years | CCP Art. 12.01(2)(E) |
| Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(D) |
| Indecency With a Child | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(E) |
| Hit and Run Causing Death | No limit | CCP Art. 12.01(1)(F) |
| Human Trafficking (Certain Offenses) / Arson / Forgery | 10 years | CCP Art. 12.01(2) |
| Injury to Elderly or Disabled | 10 years | CCP Art. 12.01(2) |
| Fraud (Penal Code Ch. 32), Except Forgery and Real Property Fraud | 7 years | CCP Art. 12.01(3)(A) |
| Forgery / Real Property Fraud (Penal Code §32.60) | 10 years | CCP Art. 12.01(2)(C), (2)(J) |
| Money Laundering / Identity Theft | 7 years | CCP Art. 12.01(3) |
| Credit/Debit Card Abuse / Bigamy | 7 years | CCP Art. 12.01(3) |
| Theft / Burglary / Robbery | 5 years | CCP Art. 12.01(4) |
| Insurance Fraud | 5 years | CCP Art. 12.01(4) |
| Abandoning/Endangering an Elderly or Disabled Individual | 5 years | CCP Art. 12.01(4)(E) |
| Abandoning/Endangering a Child | 10 years from victim's 18th birthday | CCP Art. 12.01(7)(C) |
| Kidnapping (Victim Under 17) / Child Trafficking / Sexual Performance by a Child | 20 years from victim's 18th birthday | CCP Art. 12.01(5), (6) |
| Other Felonies | 3 years | CCP Art. 12.01(11) |
| Most Misdemeanors | 2 years | CCP Art. 12.02(a) |
| Misdemeanor Family Violence Assault (Penal Code §22.01) | 3 years | CCP Art. 12.02(b) |
| Failure to Report Child Abuse (Class A Misdemeanor) | 3 years from discovery | CCP Art. 12.02(c) |
Tolling and Exceptions in Texas
Several situations can pause or extend the statute of limitations in Texas.
Discovery Rule
Texas courts apply the discovery rule in limited circumstances where the nature of the injury is inherently undiscoverable and the injury itself is objectively verifiable. The statute of limitations does not begin to run until the plaintiff knew or should have known about the injury. This rule commonly applies in fraud, latent defect, and certain toxic exposure cases.
Tolling for Minors and Persons With Disabilities
Under CPRC §16.001, the statute of limitations is tolled for persons under a "legal disability" at the time the cause of action accrues. This includes:
- Minors (under 18 years of age): The clock does not start until the person turns 18.
- Persons of unsound mind: The clock does not start until competency is restored.
A person may not "tack" one disability to another to extend the limitation period. A disability that arises after the limitations period has already started running does not pause the clock.
Defendant Absence From the State
Under CPRC §16.063, if the defendant is absent from Texas and is not amenable to service of process, the time spent outside the state does not count toward the civil statute of limitations.
For criminal cases, CCP Art. 12.05 provides that the statute does not run during any period when the accused is absent from the state or when a criminal indictment, information, or complaint is pending.
Accrual Rules for Criminal Cases
Under CCP Art. 12.04, the day the crime was committed and the day the indictment or information is presented are excluded from the computation of time.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
In civil cases, if you file after the statute of limitations has expired, the defendant will raise it as an affirmative defense and move to dismiss. Texas courts enforce these deadlines strictly, and dismissal is almost always permanent.
In criminal cases, if prosecutors attempt to bring charges after the deadline, 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 the statute of limitations. The clock continues to run during these activities.
Recent Changes to Texas Statute of Limitations
SB 2798 (Effective September 1, 2025): This legislation moved most fraud offenses under Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code onto the 7-year list in CCP Art. 12.01(3)(A), including offenses such as credit card abuse and fraudulent use of identifying information that had previously carried a 10-year deadline. The rule is not uniform. As codified today, Art. 12.01(3)(A) applies "except as provided by Subdivision (2)(C) or (J)," so forgery and real property fraud under Penal Code §32.60 are still prosecuted within 10 years.
HB 1769 (Effective September 1, 2023): This bill extended the statute of limitations for certain offenses committed against children. It broadened the categories of offenses against minors that carry no limitations period and extended the deadline for trafficking-related offenses to 20 years from the victim's 18th birthday.
More Texas Laws
- Texas Car Accident Laws
- Texas Dog Bite Laws
- Texas Expungement Laws
- Texas Slip and Fall Laws
- Texas Workers Compensation Laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Texas?
Texas gives you 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under CPRC §16.003(a). This applies to car accidents, slip-and-fall cases, assault, and most negligence claims. If you miss this deadline, the court will dismiss your case.
Is there a statute of limitations for murder in Texas?
No. Texas does not impose any time limit on prosecuting murder, manslaughter, sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of a child, continuous sexual abuse of a child, indecency with a child, or hit-and-run accidents that cause death. Sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault of an adult has no time limit only in DNA-evidence or serial-offender cases; otherwise it carries a 10-year deadline. Prosecutors can bring charges at any time for the no-limit offenses.
How long do I have to file a breach of contract lawsuit in Texas?
Texas provides a 4-year statute of limitations for breach of written contract claims under CPRC §16.004(a)(3). The clock starts on the date the breach occurred. If no specific statute applies, the residual 4-year limitation period under CPRC §16.051 serves as the default.
Can the statute of limitations be paused in Texas?
Yes. Texas law tolls the statute of limitations for minors (under 18) and persons of unsound mind under CPRC §16.001. The clock does not start until the disability is removed. The statute is also tolled while a defendant is absent from the state under CPRC §16.063. However, a disability that arises after the clock starts running does not pause it.
What changed about fraud statute of limitations in Texas in 2025?
SB 2798, signed by the governor on June 20, 2025 and effective September 1, 2025, moved most fraud offenses under Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code to a 7-year criminal statute of limitations under CCP Art. 12.01(3)(A). It is not a uniform 7-year rule: that subdivision excepts forgery and real property fraud under Penal Code Section 32.60, which remain on the 10-year list in Art. 12.01(2)(C) and (2)(J).
Updates
Corrected the Texas criminal limitations section against the current Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 12: abandoning or endangering a child is 10 years from the victim’s 18th birthday (not 5 years), the 7-year fraud rule excepts forgery and real property fraud, misdemeanors have two 3-year exceptions, the catch-all felony period is Art. 12.01(11), the computation rule is Art. 12.04, and several subsection pinpoints were fixed.
Corrected two sexual-assault deadline errors: the civil section stated only the 5-year adult-victim period under CPRC 16.0045 and omitted the 30-year child-victim period in the same section; and the criminal 'no time limit' list/table/FAQ described general sexual assault as unlimited when Texas law removes the deadline only for child-victim or DNA/serial-offender cases, with general adult sexual assault actually carrying a 10-year deadline under CCP Art. 12.01(2). Also fixed the wrongful-death citation from CPRC 16.003(a) to the correct 16.003(b).
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; 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.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code
§ 16.003TWO-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIODIn forcecited in 7 of our articles
(a) Except as provided by Sections 16.010, 16.0031, and 16.0045, a person must bring suit for trespass for injury to the estate or to the property of another, conversion of personal property, taking or detaining the personal property of another, personal injury, forcible entry and detainer, and forcible detainer not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues. (b) A person must bring suit not later than two years after the day the cause of action accrues in an action for injury resulting in death. The cause of action accrues on the death of the injured person.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-09-14 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 922 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Arnold v. National County Mutual Fire Insurance Co. (Texas Supreme Court 1987, 30 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 177)“…tations. Tex.Rev.Civ.Stat.Ann. art. 5526 and art. 5527 (now Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code §§ 16.003 & 16.004). This was based on that court…”
- Willis v. Maverick (Texas Supreme Court 1988, 31 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 569)“…e two-year statute of limitations governs the present case. Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.003 (Vernon 1986). A cause of action for le…”
- Russell v. Ingersoll-Rand Co. (Texas Supreme Court 1992, 841 S.W.2d 343)“…ir claims under the survival and wrongful death statutes is Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.003(b), which states: "A person must bring…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Texas Dog Bite Laws: Liability and Victim Rights, Texas Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Texas Motorcycle Accident Laws (2026): Deadlines & Helmets
§ 16.004FOUR-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIODIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) A person must bring suit on the following actions not later than four years after the day the cause of action accrues: (1) specific performance of a contract for the conveyance of real property; (2) penalty or damages on the penal clause of a bond to convey real property; (3) debt; (4) fraud; or (5) breach of fiduciary duty. (b) A person must bring suit on the bond of an executor, administrator, or guardian not later than four years after the day of the death, resignation, removal, or discharge of the executor, administrator, or guardian. (c) A person must bring suit against his partner for a settlement of partnership accounts, and must bring an action on an open or stated account, or on a mutual and current account concerning the trade of merchandise between merchants or their agents or factors, not later than four years after the day that the cause of action accrues. For purposes of this subsection, the cause of action accrues on the day that the dealings in which the parties were interested together cease.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 402 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Thweatt v. Jackson (Court of Appeals of Texas 1992, 838 S.W.2d 725)“…t was barred under the Texas statute of limitation found in Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.004 (1986). December 28, 1988 FDIC in its…”
- Mid-South Telecommunications Co. v. Best (Texas Court of Appeals, 3rd District (Austin) 2006, 184 S.W.3d 386)“…sing the four-year statute of limitations. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.004(a)(3) (West 2002). The district court d…”
- Richard Nugent and CAO, Inc. v. the Estate of Janie Baker Ellickson (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2018, 543 S.W.3d 243)“…9 fiduciary duty. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.004(a)(5) (Vernon 2002). The statute of lim…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Texas Debt Collection Laws: Protected Wages, Exposed Bank Accounts, Texas Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)
§ 16.0045LIMITATIONS PERIOD FOR CLAIMS ARISING FROM CERTAIN OFFENSESIn force
(a) A person must bring suit for personal injury not later than 30 years after the day the cause of action accrues if the injury arises as a result of conduct that violates: (1) Section 22.011(a)(2), Penal Code (sexual assault of a child); (2) Section 22.021(a)(1)(B), Penal Code (aggravated sexual assault of a child); (3) Section 21.02, Penal Code (continuous sexual abuse of young child or disabled individual); (4) Section 20A.02(a)(7)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (H) or Section 20A.02(a)(8), Penal Code, involving an activity described by Section 20A.02(a)(7)(A), (B), (C), (D), or (H) or sexual conduct with a child or disabled individual trafficked in the manner described by Section 20A.02(a)(7), Penal Code (certain sexual trafficking); (5) Section 43.05(a)(2) or (3), Penal Code (compelling prostitution by a child or disabled individual); or (6) Section 21.11, Penal Code (indecency with a child).
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 15 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2018
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- S.V. v. R.V. (Texas Supreme Court 1996, 933 S.W.2d 1)“…(2) Section 22.021, Penal Code (aggravated sexual assault.” Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code § 16.0045(a); Act of May 27, 1995, 74th Leg., R.S…”
- Sv v. Rv (Texas Supreme Court 1996, 933 S.W.2d 1)“…(2) Section 22.021, Penal Code (aggravated sexual assault." Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code § 16.0045(a); Act of May 27, 1995, 74th Leg., R.S…”
- Riston v. Doe (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2004, 161 S.W.3d 525)“…the date that the defendant is identified to the plaintiff. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.0045. The limitations period begins running…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 16.002ONE-YEAR LIMITATIONS PERIODIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
(a) A person must bring suit for malicious prosecution, libel, slander, or breach of promise of marriage not later than one year after the day the cause of action accrues. (b) A person must bring suit to set aside a sale of property seized under Subchapter E, Chapter 33, Tax Code, not later than one year after the date the property is sold.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 112 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Toranto v. Wall (Texas Court of Appeals, 6th District (Texarkana) 1994, 891 S.W.2d 3)“…e suit was barred by the applicable statute of limitations, Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. §§ 16.002, 16.003 (Vernon 1986). The motion for s…”
- Carlos Marcos Lavernia v. Ronald Earle, Chief Prosecutor, Travis County, Texas David Lowery, Managing Editor, Austin American Statesman And Elizabeth Watson, Chief of Police, Austin, Texas (Texas Court of Appeals, 3rd District (Austin) 1999)“…r than one year after the day a cause of action accrues. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.002 (a) (West Supp. 1999). A libel or sl…”
- Rahul K. Nath, M.D. v. Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine (Texas Supreme Court 2014, 57 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 1328)“…Defamation is subject to a one-year statute of limitations, Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 16.002(a), while tortious interference is subj…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Defamation Laws by State: Libel and Slander (2026), How to Sue for Defamation of Character (Step by Step), Texas Defamation Laws: Libel, Slander & Suing (2026)
§ 74.251STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON HEALTH CARE LIABILITY CLAIMSIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
(a) Notwithstanding any other law and subject to Subsection (b), no health care liability claim may be commenced unless the action is filed within two years from the occurrence of the breach or tort or from the date the medical or health care treatment that is the subject of the claim or the hospitalization for which the claim is made is completed; provided that, minors under the age of 12 years shall have until their 14th birthday in which to file, or have filed on their behalf, the claim. Except as herein provided this section applies to all persons regardless of minority or other legal disability. (b) A claimant must bring a health care liability claim not later than 10 years after the date of the act or omission that gives rise to the claim. This subsection is intended as a statute of repose so that all claims must be brought within 10 years or they are time barred.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 82 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Molinet v. Kimbrell (Texas Supreme Court 2011, 54 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 491)“…mitations expires.” Walters, 307 S.W.3d at 298 ; see Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 74.251(b). In my view, the Legislature’s simul…”
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio v. Bailey (Texas Supreme Court 2011, 54 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 486)“…Limitations ran June 20, 2006. See Tex. Civ Prac. & Rem.Code § 74.251(a) (prescribing a limitations period of…”
- Methodist Healthcare System of San Antonio, Ltd., L.L.P., W.C. Schorlemer, M.D., and Robert Schorlemer, M.D. v. Emmalene Rankin (Texas Supreme Court 2010, 53 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 455)“…1 . Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 74.251(b). 2 . Tex. Const…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Medical Malpractice Laws in Texas (2026): Deadlines & Caps
§ 16.051RESIDUAL LIMITATIONS PERIODIn force
Every action for which there is no express limitations period, except an action for the recovery of real property, must be brought not later than four years after the day the cause of action accrues.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 295 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Nghiem v. Sajib (Texas Supreme Court 2019, 567 S.W.3d 718)“…a). See Tex. Bus. & Com. Code § 17.565. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 16.051 ("Every action for which there is no ex…”
- Alice M. Wood and Daniel L. Wood v. HSBC Bank USA, N, A. and Ocwen Loan Servicing, L.L.C (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2014, 439 S.W.3d 585)“…dress in two separate sub-issues: (1) Whether the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.051 four-year statute of limitations bars t…”
- Exxon Mobil Chemical Company, a Division of ExxonMobil Corporation v. Robert F. Ford, Jr. (Texas Court of Appeals, 9th District (Beaumont) 2006, 187 S.W.3d 154)“…rac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.004 (a)(4) (Vernon 2002); Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.051 (Vernon 1997). To prevail, Exxon mus…”
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§ 16.063TEMPORARY ABSENCE FROM STATEIn force
The absence from this state of a person against whom a cause of action may be maintained suspends the running of the applicable statute of limitations for the period of the person's absence.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 31 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2020
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Eddie Medina, Jr. v. Gloria Tate D/B/A Humble Family Skate Center and Humble Family Skate Center, Inc. (Texas Court of Appeals, 1st District (Houston) 2013, 438 S.W.3d 583)“…593 -Houston [14th Dist.] 2010, pet. denied) (construing Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.063 (West 2008)). Such out-of-state travel…”
- Zavadil v. Safeco Insurance Co. of Illinois (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2010, 309 S.W.3d 593)“…ling that the statute of limitations was tolled pursuant to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.063. In her first and third issues, she con…”
- Ardila v. Saavedra (Texas Court of Appeals, 13th District 1991, 808 S.W.2d 645)“…ons was thus tolled during the period of his absences under Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.063 (Vernon 1986), which provides: The ab…”
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§ 16.009PERSONS FURNISHING CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR OF IMPROVEMENTSIn force
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1) or (a-2), a claimant must bring suit for damages for a claim listed in Subsection (b) against a person who constructs or repairs an improvement to real property not later than 10 years after the substantial completion of the improvement in an action arising out of a defective or unsafe condition of the real property or a deficiency in the construction or repair of the improvement. (a-1) A governmental entity must bring suit for damages for a claim listed in Subsection (b) against a person who constructs or repairs an improvement to real property not later than eight years after the substantial completion of the improvement in an action arising out of a defective or unsafe condition of the real property or a deficiency in the construction or repair of the improvement. This subsection does not apply to a claim arising out of: (1) a contract entered into by the Texas Department of Transportation; (2) a project that receives money from the state highway fund or a federal fund designated for highway and mass transit spending; or (3) a civil works project, as that term is defined under Section 2269.351, Government Code.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 41 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2017
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Sonnier v. Chisholm-Ryder Co., Inc. (Texas Supreme Court 1995, 909 S.W.2d 475)“…ction 16.009 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code § 16.009. Both parties moved for judgment as a m…”
- Williams v. U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. (Texas Court of Appeals, 10th District (Waco) 1993, 865 S.W.2d 203)“…ctice and Remedies Code (the Code) by the 61st Legislature. Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.009. Section 16.009formerly Article 5536a(…”
- Tumminello v. HOME CORPORATION (Texas Court of Appeals, 1st District (Houston) 1990, 801 S.W.2d 186)“…ch of warranty was barred by the 10-year statute of repose, Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 16.009 (Vernon 1986), and the DTPA claim was b…”
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§ 16.012PRODUCTS LIABILITYIn force
(a) In this section: (1) "Claimant," "seller," and "manufacturer" have the meanings assigned by Section 82.001. (2) "Products liability action" means any action against a manufacturer or seller for recovery of damages or other relief for harm allegedly caused by a defective product, whether the action is based in strict tort liability, strict products liability, negligence, misrepresentation, breach of express or implied warranty, or any other theory or combination of theories, and whether the relief sought is recovery of damages or any other legal or equitable relief, including a suit for: (A) injury or damage to or loss of real or personal property; (B) personal injury; (C) wrongful death; (D) economic loss; or (E) declaratory, injunctive, or other equitable relief. (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c), (d), and (d-1), a claimant must commence a products liability action against a manufacturer or seller of a product before the end of 15 years after the date of the sale of the product by the defendant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 20 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Joseph James Saporito v. Cincinnati Incorporated (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2004)“…Concluding the statute of repose in the former version of Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 16.012(b) bars Saporito = s causes of ac…”
- Francisco Zaragosa v. Chemetron Investments, Inc., Chemtron Food Equipment Company, Sunbeam Corp., Sunbeam Products, Inc., Apache Stainless Equipment Corp.- a Division of Mepaco, Apache Stainless Equipment Corp., Mepaco, Mepaco-Apache Stainless Equipment Corp. (Texas Court of Appeals, 2nd District (Fort Worth) 2003)“…ld in 1978, appellant was barred from any recovery under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code Ann. § 16.012(b), which prohibited the prosecution of…”
- Galbraith Engineering Consultants, Inc. v. Pochucha (Texas Supreme Court 2009, 52 Tex. Sup. Ct. J. 974)“…d for products that cause latent diseases. See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code § 16.012(b)-(e). Thus, a manufacturer or seller…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 34.001NO EXECUTION ON DORMANT JUDGMENTIn force
(a) If a writ of execution is not issued within 10 years after the rendition of a judgment of a court of record or a justice court, the judgment is dormant and execution may not be issued on the judgment unless it is revived. (b) If a writ of execution is issued within 10 years after rendition of a judgment but a second writ is not issued within 10 years after issuance of the first writ, the judgment becomes dormant. A second writ may be issued at any time within 10 years after issuance of the first writ. (c) This section does not apply to a judgment for child support under the Family Code.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 71 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Madeksho v. Abraham, Watkins, Nichols & Friend (Texas Court of Appeals, 14th District (Houston) 2003, 112 S.W.3d 679)“…App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1998, pet. denied). [29] See Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem.Code §§ 34.001.067. [30] See Tex. Prop.Code §§ 14…”
- Burnett-Dunham v. Spurgin (Texas Court of Appeals, 5th District (Dallas) 2007, 245 S.W.3d 14)“…final missed payment became a final judgment at that time. Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code section 34.001(a) provides if a writ of execution is n…”
- Hicks v. First National Bank in Dalhart (Texas Court of Appeals, 7th District (Amarillo) 1989, 778 S.W.2d 98)“…ment. Resolving this point of error requires us to construe Tex.Civ.Prac. & Rem.Code Ann. § 34.001 (Vernon 1986) together with section 31.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
§ 12.01Art. 12.01. FELONIESIn force
Except as provided in Articles 12.015 and 12.03, felony indictments may be presented within these limits, and not afterward: (1) no limitation: (A) murder and manslaughter; (B) sexual assault under Section 22.011(a)(2), Penal Code, or aggravated sexual assault under Section 22.021(a)(1)(B), Penal Code; (C) sexual assault, if: (i) during the investigation of the offense biological matter is collected and the matter: (a) has not yet been subjected to forensic DNA testing; or (b) has been subjected to forensic DNA testing and the testing results show that the matter does not match the victim or any other person whose identity is readily ascertained; or (ii) probable cause exists to believe that the defendant has committed the same or a similar sex offense against five or more victims; (D) continuous sexual abuse of young child or disabled individual under Section 21.02, Penal Code; (E) indecency with a child under Section 21.11, Penal Code; (F) an offense involving leaving the scene of a collision under Section 550.021, Transportation Code, if the collision resulted in the death of a person; (G) trafficking of persons under Section 20A.02(a)(7) or (8), Penal Code; (H)…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 129 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Fleming, Mark Alexander (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 2014)“…ible wherein a criminal intent is lacking.”). . See Tex.Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 12.01, historical note (Vernon’s 1977) (refer…”
- Ex Parte Matthews (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 1994, 873 S.W.2d 40)“…is allegation, appellant's indictment may not be presented. Tex.Code Crim.Proc. art. 12.01(5). Therefore, in order to obtain a con…”
- State v. Bennett (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 2013, 415 S.W.3d 867)“…unsettled. Consequently, I join the Court’s opinion. . Tex.Code Crim. Proc. art. 12.01. . Id. . Id., passim.…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 12.02Art. 12.02. MISDEMEANORSIn force
(a) Except as provided by Subsections (b) and (c), the following charging instruments may be presented within two years from the date of the commission of the offense, and not afterward: (1) an indictment or information for any Class A or Class B misdemeanor; and (2) a complaint or information for any Class C misdemeanor. (b) An indictment, information, or complaint, as applicable, for assault under Section 22.01, Penal Code, may be presented within three years from the date of the commission of the offense, and not afterward, if the offense: (1) is punishable as a misdemeanor; and (2) was committed against a person whose relationship to or association with the defendant is described by Section 71.0021(b), 71.003, or 71.005, Family Code. (c) An indictment or information, as applicable, for failure to report child abuse or neglect may be presented within three years from the date the offense was discovered, and not afterward, if the offense is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor under Section 261.109(c), Family Code.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 44 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ex Parte Smith (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 2005, 178 S.W.3d 797)“…riate that habeas corpus relief be granted”). . See TexCode Crim. Proc. art. 12.02 ("An indictment or information for any…”
- State v. Hall (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 1992, 829 S.W.2d 184)“…ar statute of limitations for misdemeanor prosecutions. See Tex.Code Crim. Proc. art. 12.02. The county court granted appellee's mo…”
- State v. Yount (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 1993, 853 S.W.2d 6)“…tute of limitations had run on the misdemeanor offense. See Tex.Code Crim.Proc. art. 12.02. The Ninth Court of Appeals affirmed th…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 12.05Art. 12.05. ABSENCE FROM STATE AND TIME OF PENDENCY OF INDICTMENT, ETC., NOT COMPUTEDIn force
(a) The time during which the accused is absent from the state shall not be computed in the period of limitation. (b) The time during the pendency of an indictment, information, or complaint shall not be computed in the period of limitation. (c) The term "during the pendency," as used herein, means that period of time beginning with the day the indictment, information, or complaint is filed in a court of competent jurisdiction, and ending with the day such accusation is, by an order of a trial court having jurisdiction thereof, determined to be invalid for any reason.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-28 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at statutes.capitol.texas.gov
Cited in 48 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ex Parte Matthews (Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas 1996, 933 S.W.2d 134)“…aw. The word "defendant” is used in the same sense. . Tex.Code of Crim. Proc. 12.05(b) provides: The time during the pend…”
- White v. State (Texas Court of Appeals, 10th District (Waco) 2001, 50 S.W.3d 31)“…the pendency of an indictment, information, or complaint." Tex.Code Crim.Proc.Ann. art. 12.05(b), (c) (Vernon 1977). Thus, article 12…”
- Marks v. State (Court of Appeals of Texas 2017, 525 S.W.3d 403)“…hich the indictments in the prior cases were pending. See Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 12.05 (West, Westlaw through 2015 R.S.). Unde…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Explore the law
This article also draws on these acts and chapters (opening at their first section): Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.001 (EFFECT OF DISABILITY)
Related law for further reading — not part of this article’s citations.
Sources and References
- Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 16 - Limitations(statutes.capitol.texas.gov).gov
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 12 - Limitation(statutes.capitol.texas.gov).gov
- Texas CPRC Chapter 74 - Medical Liability(statutes.capitol.texas.gov).gov
- Statutes of Limitations in Civil Lawsuits - Texas Law Help(texaslawhelp.org)
- Time-Barred Debts - Texas State Law Library(guides.sll.texas.gov).gov
- SB 2798 (89th Legislature) - Fraud Statute of Limitations(capitol.texas.gov).gov
- HB 1769 (88th Legislature) - Offenses Against Children Limitations(capitol.texas.gov).gov