Statute of Limitations Overview

Criminal SOL

Virginia has no criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault, rape, and related felony sex crimes. Virginia is among the states that have permanently eliminated criminal SOL for all felony sexual offense categories. Criminal charges can be brought at any time regardless of when the offense occurred.

Civil SOL

Child survivors (Va. Code Ann. § 8.1-243(d)): Survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil lawsuits within 20 years of the date of the incident OR within 20 years of the victim reaching the age of majority (18), whichever is later. Since the SOL is tolled until the victim turns 18, this effectively means survivors have until age 38 to file civil claims.

Adult survivors (Va. Code Ann. § 8.1-243(a)): 2 years from the date of the incident. Virginia does not provide a special SOL for adult sexual assault; the general personal injury 2-year deadline applies. This is among the shorter adult SOL frameworks nationally.

Fraudulent concealment: If an institution or perpetrator fraudulently concealed the facts giving rise to the claim, Virginia courts may toll the limitations period until the survivor discovers or reasonably should have discovered the concealment.

No general lookback window as of February 2026. Reform advocacy is ongoing.

ChildUSA Civil SOL: Age 38 cap for childhood abuse represents a moderate framework nationally.

Institutional Liability

Virginia allows civil claims against institutions for negligent hiring, supervision, and retention. The Catholic dioceses across Virginia (Arlington, Richmond, and others) have disclosed credibly accused clergy. No criminal conviction is required for civil claims.

Virginia’s age-38 cap gives survivors meaningful time, particularly given the average age at which survivors come forward (often in their 30s and 40s). Survivors approaching 38 should consult an attorney immediately.

---

Attorney Firms

(1) Cowan & Owen, PC

Location: Richmond (statewide Virginia)
Website: https://cowanowenlaw.com/sexual-abuse/

Virginia-based civil litigation firm with dedicated sexual abuse survivor practice. Handles claims against institutional defendants including Catholic Church and schools throughout Virginia. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(2) Blankenship Law Firm

Location: Richmond, Roanoke, and statewide
Website: https://blankenshiplawfirm.com/practice-areas/sexual-abuse-attorney/

Virginia plaintiff firm handling sexual abuse and assault claims statewide. Handles individual perpetrator and institutional liability cases. Free consultation, contingency fee.

(3) The Law Offices of John T. Orcutt (personal injury focus)

Location: Alexandria and Northern Virginia region
Website: https://Serves Northern Virginia/DC metro survivors

Northern Virginia-focused firm handling sexual abuse civil claims in the Northern Virginia/DC metro area, including institutional claims.

(4) Herman Law

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

Nationally recognized survivor-focused firm. Active against Virginia Catholic dioceses and other institutional defendants. Tracks Virginia’s age-38 civil deadline. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

(5) Levy Konigsberg LLP

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

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

(6) TFNL Group

Location: National practice (active in Virginia)
Website: https://tfnlgroup.com

National team including former Title IX specialist from U.S. Department of Education. Handles Virginia institutional claims including Title IX violations at Virginia universities. Free confidential consultation, contingency fee.

---

Important Context

Age-38 deadline requires urgent action for many survivors. Virginia’s 20-year window (tolled until 18) gives survivors until age 38. Survivors currently in their late 30s who experienced childhood sexual abuse should consult an attorney immediately before the window closes.

No lookback window: Virginia has not enacted a revival window. Survivors whose civil claims expired before reaching 38 cannot revive those claims under current law.

Adult survivor 2-year deadline. Virginia’s 2-year SOL for adult survivors is among the shorter nationally. Adults who experienced assault should consult an attorney promptly.

Virginia Catholic dioceses: The Diocese of Arlington and Diocese of Richmond have both disclosed credibly accused clergy. Active institutional claims are viable for survivors not yet past the age-38 cap.

Crisis resources: Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance: 804-377-0335 | RAINN Hotline: 800-656-4673