Legal Question in Criminal Law in Missouri

"Child Abuse" covers a several possible crimes. You did not state which statute or exact crime you were arrested for. You may have been taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of committing a crime. Perhaps you were accused of a specific crime, in which the statute of limitations has been satisfied as to that crime, (you do still have a right to a speedy trial) It would be impossible to tell you exactly to the day how long the government has to bring a charge against you. Certainly you should be safe after five years. Some crimes after two, a few after one. From a practical standpoint, if you have not been charged and/ or arraigned within twelve months, it is unlikely that you will be prosecuted absent another occurrence.

If you are still concerned, get a copy of your police report, and take it to an attorney who can give you more advice specific to your case.

Good luck