What is the statute of limitations for robbery?

The statute of limitations for robbery in many jurisdictions, including under Massachusetts law, is set at 10 years. This period begins from the time the crime is committed and represents the maximum time frame in which legal proceedings can be initiated. If a prosecution is not initiated within this time, the legal right to bring charges may be lost. The rationale behind having a statute of limitations is to ensure that evidence remains fresh and that individuals are not subjected to indefinite threats of legal action.

Choosing the period of 10 years reflects a balance between the seriousness of the crime of robbery, which is considered a felony due to its nature involving force or threat of force, and the need for timely prosecution to uphold justice. Other timeframes indicated in the question, such as no limit, 15 years, and 6 years, do not align with the established legal standards for this crime in most jurisdictions, which helps clarify why those options are not applicable.