(a) Actions for damages for an injury described in Section 13-202 or Section 13-203 arising out of first degree murder or the commission of a Class X felony by the person against whom the action is brought may be commenced no later than 10 years after the person who inflicted such injury has completed his or her sentence therefor.
13-214.1.Action for damages involving criminal acts.
Article XIII. Limitations · Part 2. Personal Actions · Last amended 2019 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceLets a victim of first degree murder or a Class X felony sue for the resulting injury up to 10 years after the offender completes his or her sentence, and gives certain theft and fraud victims 10 years from the last act in furtherance of the crime.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/13-214.1
(b) For an action for damages arising out of: theft of property exceeding $100,000 in value under Section 16-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; identity theft under subsection (a) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012; aggravated identity theft under subsection (b) of Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 2012; financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability under Section 17-56 of the Criminal Code of 2012; or any offense set forth in Article 16H or Section 17-10.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012, the action may be commenced within 10 years of the last act committed in furtherance of the crime. However, if any other provision of law provides for a longer limitation period, then the longer limitation period applies.
Plain-English Summary
Subsection (a) extends the deadline for the injury claims covered by Sections 13-202 and 13-203 when the injury arises from first degree murder or a Class X felony committed by the defendant: the action may be commenced no later than 10 years after the person who inflicted the injury has completed his or her sentence for it.
Subsection (b) sets a parallel 10-year rule for a different set of crimes: theft of property exceeding $100,000, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability, and offenses under Article 16H or Section 17-10.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012. For these, the action may be commenced within 10 years of the last act committed in furtherance of the crime — unless another law provides a longer limitation period, in which case that longer period controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a murder conviction can the victim's family sue for damages?
No later than 10 years after the person who inflicted the injury has completed his or her sentence for it.
Does this 10-year-after-sentence rule apply to any felony?
No. Subsection (a) applies to injuries under Sections 13-202 and 13-203 arising from first degree murder or a Class X felony specifically.
What is the deadline to sue over large-scale theft or identity theft in Illinois?
Within 10 years of the last act committed in furtherance of the crime, under subsection (b).
Which crimes fall under the 10-year, last-act rule in subsection (b)?
Theft exceeding $100,000, identity theft, aggravated identity theft, financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person, and offenses under Article 16H or Section 17-10.6 of the Criminal Code.
What if another law provides a longer period for one of these crimes?
The longer limitation period applies instead of the 10-year period in subsection (b).
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 101-136, eff. 7-26-19.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
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