What is the average statute of limitations for a federal crime?

The average statute of limitations for a federal crime is indeed five years. This timeframe is established under federal law, which generally mandates that prosecutions for many types of federal offenses must be initiated within five years of the commission of the crime. This provision allows for timely prosecution while also balancing the rights of defendants as evidence and witness availability can diminish over time.

However, it's important to note that some federal crimes do have different statutes of limitations, with certain serious offenses like capital crimes not having a statute of limitations at all, meaning they can be prosecuted at any time. In contrast, less serious offenses might have shorter limitations periods. Therefore, while five years is the standard for many federal crimes, the context can vary based on the nature of the specific offense.