Alabama § 31-2A-43 - (Article 43.) Statute of Limitations.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 31-2A-43 — (Article 43.) Statute of Limitations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 31-2A-43. (Article 43.) Statute of Limitations.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person charged with any offense is not liable to be tried by courts-martial or punished under Section 31-2A-15 (Article 15) if the offense was committed more than 12 months before the receipt of sworn charges and specifications by an officer exercising court-martial jurisdiction over the command or before the imposition of punishment under Section 31-2A-15 (Article 15).

(b) Periods in which the accused is absent without authority or fleeing from justice shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this article.

(c) Periods in which the accused was absent from territory in which the state has the authority to apprehend him or her, or in the custody of civil authorities, or in the hands of the enemy, shall be excluded in computing the period of limitation prescribed in this article.

(d) When the United States is at war, the running of any statute of limitations applicable to any offense under this code is suspended until two years after the termination of hostilities as proclaimed by the President or by a joint resolution of Congress if the offense:

(1) Involves fraud or attempted fraud against the United States, any state, or any agency of either in any manner, whether by conspiracy or not.

(2) Is committed in connection with the acquisition, care, handling, custody, control, or disposition of any real or personal property of the United States or any state.

(3) Is committed in connection with the negotiation, procurement, award, performance, payment, interim financing, cancellation, or other termination or settlement, of any contract, subcontract, or purchase order which is connected with or related to the prosecution of the war, or with any disposition of termination inventory by any war contractor or government agency.

(e)(1) If charges or specifications are dismissed as defective or insufficient for any cause and the period prescribed by the applicable statute of limitations has expired or will expire within 180 days after the date of dismissal of the charges and specifications, trial and punishment under new charges and specifications are not barred by the statute of limitations if the conditions specified in subdivision (2) are met.

(2) The conditions referred to in subdivision (1) are that the new charges and specifications shall:

a. Be received by an officer exercising summary court-martial jurisdiction over the command within 180 days after the dismissal of the charges or specifications.

b. Allege the same acts or omissions that were alleged in the dismissed charges or specifications, or allege acts or omissions that were included in the dismissed charges or specifications.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 31-2A-43

What does Code of Alabama § 31-2A-43 cover?

Section 31-2A-43 ("(Article 43.) Statute of Limitations.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Alabama § 31-2A-43?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 31-2A-43" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Alabama law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.

How does Alabama § 31-2A-43 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.