Every jurisdiction in our dataset that gives 10 years to file a sexual assault claim, with the governing statute.
Quick answer: 3 of 51 jurisdictions give 10 years for sexual assault claims: California, Illinois, Michigan.
Data last reviewed: October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
| State | Statute | Clock starts |
|---|---|---|
| California | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.16 | Date of last act OR date of discovery |
| Illinois | 735 ILCS 5/13-202.2 | Date of discovery; no SOL for childhood abuse from institutions since 2014 |
| Michigan | MCL 600.5805(12) | Date of assault or date of discovery |
3 of 51 jurisdictions: California, Illinois, Michigan.
Other states allow 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 12 years, 20 years. See the links on this page for each group.
Not always. Many states pause or extend the clock for minors, for harm that is discovered late, or when the defendant hides the wrong, and claims against governments often require earlier notice. Check your state's page for its exceptions.