PART A

Sec. A-1. 14 MRSA Pt. 6-A is enacted to read:

*PART 6-A

CIVIL VIOLATION PROCEEDINGS

CHAPTER 621

GENERAL PROVISIONS

§5601.__Statute of limitations

1.__Three-year period of limitation.__A prosecution for a civil violation must be commenced within 3 years after the civil violation is committed.__ It is a defense that prosecution of a civil violation was commenced after the expiration of the applicable 3-year period of limitation.

2.__Limitations on period of limitation.__The period of limitation may not run:

A.__During any time when the accused is absent from the State, but in no event may this provision extend the period of limitation otherwise applicable by more than 5 years;

B.__During any time when a prosecution against the accused for the same civil violation based on the same conduct is pending in this State; or

C.__During any time when a prosecution against the accused for the corresponding juvenile crime based on the same conduct is pending in the Juvenile Court.

3.__Definitions.__For purposes of this section:

A.__A civil violation is committed when every element of the civil violation has occurred or, if the civil violation consists of a continuing course of conduct, at the time when the course of conduct or the defendant's complicity in the course of conduct is terminated;

B.__A prosecution is commenced whenever a complaint is filed; and

C.__"Pending" includes any appeal period and, if an appeal is taken, any period pending its final disposition.