Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

North Dakota has no criminal statute of limitations for the most serious felony sexual offenses. For child sexual abuse where the victim is under 15 years of age, the criminal SOL is capped at age 36 OR 3 years after the offense is reported to law enforcement, whichever is later. For human trafficking involving a victim under 15, the criminal SOL extends to age 22. For other felonies, the general criminal SOL is 3 years from the offense. For misdemeanors, 2 years from the offense. DNA evidence exceptions apply: if a suspect is identified through DNA match, prosecution may proceed within 3 years of that identification.

ChildUSA Criminal SOL Grade: F

Civil SOL

North Dakota’s civil SOL framework is among the least survivor-friendly in the nation.

Child survivors (N.D. Cent. Code § 12.1-20-17.1): Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until their 19th birthday (1 year after reaching majority at 18) OR 10 years from the date the victim knew or reasonably should have known that a potential claim exists, whichever is later. The discovery rule clock runs from actual or constructive knowledge of the potential claim, not merely from the date of abuse.

Adult survivors: 2 years from the date of the incident under North Dakota’s general personal injury SOL.

No lookback window: A bill to open a revival window for previously time-barred claims was amended in the legislature to remove the revival window provision. No active lookback window exists as of February 2026. Advocates continue pushing for reform.

Critical limitation: North Dakota’s civil age cap effectively closes the door on many adult survivors of childhood abuse who come forward after age 28. The state’s framework is restrictive compared to most of the country.

ChildUSA Civil SOL Age Cap Grade: F (age cap of 34 and younger)

Institutional Liability

Despite the restrictive SOL, civil claims against institutions (schools, churches, youth organizations, residential facilities) for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention remain viable for survivors whose claims are not yet time-barred. No criminal conviction is required for a civil claim. The civil burden of proof (preponderance of the evidence) is lower than the criminal standard.

Attorney Firms

North Dakota has a small legal market. The state’s most complex and high-value institutional sexual abuse cases are frequently handled by national firms with admitted local counsel, in addition to regional plaintiff firms.

(1) Larson Law Firm, P.C.

Location: Minot (statewide coverage)
Phone: 701-839-1000
Website: https://larsonlawfirm.com

North Dakota-based plaintiff firm with personal injury and civil rights practice. Handles sexual assault civil claims statewide, including cases involving negligent security, institutional failures, and direct perpetrator claims. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Nix Patterson, LLP

Location: National practice serving North Dakota (primary offices in Austin, TX and Bismarck, ND area)
Phone: 512-328-5333
Website: https://nixlaw.com

National contingency-fee firm with track record in institutional sexual abuse litigation. Previously secured a $3.5 million judgment against a school for 14 women abused by a teacher’s assistant. Handles claims involving schools, religious organizations, and other institutions throughout North Dakota. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(3) Herman Law

Location: National practice with North Dakota representation
Phone: 800-976-8552
Website: https://hermanlaw.com

Nationally recognized firm with 35+ years dedicated exclusively to sexual abuse survivor representation. Founder Jeff Herman secured a landmark $100 million verdict. Represents survivors throughout all 50 states, including North Dakota, against institutional defendants including schools, churches, Boy Scouts of America, and healthcare providers. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(4) Levy Konigsberg LLP

Location: National practice (primary office New York; active in ND)
Phone: 800-315-3806
Website: https://levylaw.com

Nationally recognized institutional abuse firm with $3B+ in sexual abuse compensation recovered over 3 decades. Actively litigating cases against Catholic dioceses, juvenile detention facilities, foster care systems, and schools nationwide. Handles North Dakota claims including against the Diocese of Fargo and Diocese of Bismarck. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) Sand Law, PLLC

Location: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, Watford City
Phone: 701-609-1510
Website: https://sandlawnd.com

North Dakota-based firm with offices across the state handling personal injury including sexual assault civil claims. Statewide reach with ability to accommodate clients in remote areas. Free consultation, contingency fee.

Important Context

North Dakota’s civil SOL landscape makes it critical for survivors to consult an attorney immediately. Many national firms partner with local North Dakota counsel to handle cases that would otherwise require admission pro hac vice. Survivors with claims involving Catholic clergy should note that the Diocese of Fargo and Diocese of Bismarck have published lists of credibly accused priests. Claims against deceased perpetrators may still proceed against the institution that employed them.

North Dakota Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition: 701-255-6240 (statewide advocacy and victim center directory)
State Bar Association of North Dakota Lawyer Referral Service: 800-472-2685