Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Utah has no criminal statute of limitations for the most serious sex offenses, including rape and object rape (Utah Code Ann. §§ 76-1-301, 76-1-302). When the suspect’s identity is unknown, DNA evidence can be used to pursue prosecution at any time after a DNA match occurs.

Civil SOL

Utah’s civil SOL framework is complex, with different rules for child survivors versus adults and for claims against perpetrators versus institutions.

Child survivors – against perpetrators: No civil statute of limitations. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may sue the individual perpetrator at any time with no deadline. This is one of the strongest perpetrator-focused civil provisions in the nation.

Child survivors – against non-perpetrators (institutions, third parties): Survivors must file within 4 years of the date they reach age 18 (until age 22) OR within 4 years of discovering that the abuse caused injury, whichever is later.

Exception for previously time-barred claims: If a claim was already expired before July 1, 2016, survivors may still sue until their 53rd birthday or within 3 years of the 2016 law’s effective date, whichever gives more time. This provision created a de facto lookback window for many previously barred institutional claims.

Adult survivors: 4 years from the date of the incident under Utah Code § 78B-2-307 (no special adult SOL for sexual assault; general personal injury deadline applies).

Institutional Liability

Utah allows civil claims against institutions for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The Diocese of Salt Lake City has disclosed credibly accused clergy. The 4-year post-majority deadline for institutional claims (age 22) is restrictive compared to many states, but the no-SOL provision for direct perpetrator claims provides a significant path for survivors seeking individual accountability at any age.

Attorney Firms

(1) Callister Nebeker & McCullough (personal injury / civil rights)

Location: Salt Lake City (statewide)
Website: https://cnmlaw.com

Utah civil litigation firm handling sexual abuse cases including institutional and individual perpetrator claims. Statewide practice.

(2) Siegfried & Jensen

Location: Salt Lake City, St. George, Provo (statewide)
Website: https://sjatty.com/sexual-abuse/

Utah-based personal injury firm with sexual abuse practice. Handles survivor claims including institutional negligence cases. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(3) Herman Law

Location: National practice (active in Utah)
Phone: 800-976-8552
Website: https://hermanlaw.com

Nationally recognized firm. Active against the Diocese of Salt Lake City and other Utah institutional defendants. Tracks Utah’s no-SOL perpetrator rule and institutional claim windows. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (active in Utah)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm, $3B+ recovered. Active against Utah Catholic Church and institutional defendants. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) Moxie Law Group

Location: Salt Lake City (statewide)
Website: https://moxielawgroup.com/practice-areas/sexual-abuse/

Utah plaintiff firm handling sexual abuse cases, including claims involving healthcare providers, employers, schools, and churches. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

Important Context

No-SOL for perpetrator claims: Utah child survivors can sue the individual perpetrator at any time with no deadline. This is a major protection. However, institutional claims have a much shorter window (age 22 OR 4 years from discovery).

Previously time-barred institutional claims: Utah’s 2016 law created a de facto lookback for some previously barred institutional claims. Survivors with institutional claims that expired before July 1, 2016 should consult an attorney about the 53rd birthday or 3-years-from-2016 provision.

Diocese of Salt Lake City: Credibly accused clergy have been disclosed. Survivors of LDS Church abuse should also consult an attorney; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has faced significant civil litigation nationally.

Crisis resources: Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 801-746-0404 | Rape Recovery Center (Salt Lake City): 801-467-7273