What is the statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations refers to the time period established by law during which legal proceedings must be initiated for certain offenses. Once this time frame expires, the government loses the right to prosecute an individual for that specific offense, regardless of the evidence available. This serves to ensure that cases are prosecuted while evidence is still fresh and witnesses are available, promoting fairness and justice within the legal system.

The other options don't align with the legal definition of a statute of limitations. The time allowed for a minor's trial pertains to juvenile justice procedures, not how long one has to bring criminal charges. A temporary custody period relates to how long an individual can be held before formal charges or hearings occur, which is a different legal concept. Lastly, the time required for filing a citation refers to specific administrative processes within legal procedures rather than the overarching principle of how long a party has to initiate prosecution.