Columbus – State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) has introduced Senate Bill 300 to repeal Ohio’s statute of limitations for the crime of rape. Current state law limits prosecution to 20 years after the crime occurs.
“Because of the heinous nature of this crime we should take every step possible to ensure that rapists are brought to justice,” said Senator Turner. “My legislation will allow the process of investigation and prosecution to move forward once all the facts are found, regardless of when that may be.”
According to Human Rights Watch, rape has the lowest prosecution rate of all violent crimes in the United States. “Unfortunately too many criminals are falling through the cracks,” said Senator Turner. “We must give investigators additional time so more rapists are successfully prosecuted.”
Senator Turner’s legislation builds upon the passage of Senate Bill 77 which extends the period of time the state must keep DNA evidence for several felony crimes. Specifically, SB 77 requires that biological evidence from rape investigations be kept for 30 years.
“Because of the heinous nature of this crime we should take every step possible to ensure that rapists are brought to justice,” said Senator Turner. “My legislation will allow the process of investigation and prosecution to move forward once all the facts are found, regardless of when that may be.”
According to Human Rights Watch, rape has the lowest prosecution rate of all violent crimes in the United States. “Unfortunately too many criminals are falling through the cracks,” said Senator Turner. “We must give investigators additional time so more rapists are successfully prosecuted.”
Senator Turner’s legislation builds upon the passage of Senate Bill 77 which extends the period of time the state must keep DNA evidence for several felony crimes. Specifically, SB 77 requires that biological evidence from rape investigations be kept for 30 years.
