For which type of offense is there NO statute of limitations?

A capital offense is one where there is no statute of limitations in Pennsylvania. This means that prosecution for such a serious crime can be initiated at any time, regardless of how much time has passed since the offense was committed. The rationale behind this provision is tied to the severity of capital offenses, which typically include crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment. The legal system holds that because of the grave nature and impact of these offenses, the ability to seek justice should not be time-barred.

In contrast, other types of offenses, such as felonies, misdemeanors, and summary offenses, do have prescribed statutes of limitations. These limitations serve to promote the timely prosecution of crimes, ensuring evidence remains fresh and witnesses are available to testify. The statutes of limitations vary based on the severity and context of the crime, but unlike capital offenses, they impose a deadline on the state's ability to prosecute.