For which offenses can prosecution commence at any time in Georgia?

In Georgia, the prosecution of offenses involving DNA-identified perpetrators of serious crimes can commence at any time because of the nature of these crimes and the evidence involved. Serious crimes often include felonies, such as murder, sexual offenses, and other violent crimes. When new evidence, such as DNA, comes to light that links a suspect to the crime, it allows law enforcement to pursue prosecution even after the typical statute of limitations has expired.

This is significant as it ensures that individuals who may have escaped justice due to a lack of evidence when the crime was committed can still be held accountable once conclusive evidence is available. This provision underscores the importance placed on protecting society and achieving justice in serious cases.

In contrast, the other options represent offenses that typically have specific statutes of limitations that restrict the time frame in which prosecution can initiate. Most misdemeanors, for instance, have a two-year statute of limitations, while burglary and theft also have limits on when charges can be brought. Traffic violations generally have quick limitations, often allowing prosecution to occur only within a few months of the incident.