Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

drray23

(8,690 posts)
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 10:05 PM 20 hrs ago

I think that Trump may not be able to escape punishment

In regards to the case where he allegedly raped a 13 yr old and also physically assaulted her.

If this took place a mar a lago there is no statute of limitations for sexual battery on a child under 16 yr old. Florida does not call it statutory rape, its covered under sexual battery.

Here is what applies here since it was committed before 2020 : I bolded the relevant parts.


The statute of limitations for offenses committed before July 1, 2020, is as follows:

For a felony of the first degree, prosecution must commence within four years after commission of the offense;

For any other felony, prosecution must commence within three years after commission of the offense;

There is no time limitation for any sexual battery violation committed against a victim under 16 at the time of the act.

There is no time limitation for any first degree sexual battery offense committed against a victim under 18 at the time of the act;

There is no time limitation if the offense is a first or second degree felony committed against a victim 16 or older, and the offense is reported within 72 hours after its commission;
If the victim was under 18 at the time of the act, the time does not begin to run until the earlier of the victim reaching 18 or the offense being reported to law enforcement; however, there is no limitations period for a first or second degree sexual battery felony on a victim under 18 if the crime was reported within 72 hours after it was committed.



From rain :

https://apps.rainn.org/policy/policy-crime-definitions.cfm?state=Florida&group=7#:~:text=The%20statute%20of%20limitations%20for%20offenses%20committed%20on%20or%20after,there%20is%20no%20time%20limitation





8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I think that Trump may not be able to escape punishment (Original Post) drray23 20 hrs ago OP
Is there any evidence? WarGamer 20 hrs ago #1
any evidence would be buried at the DOJ or have to be discovered with a proper investigation drray23 20 hrs ago #2
Was it buried before 2025? Or before 2017? WarGamer 20 hrs ago #3
They can do the investigation now and wnylib 20 hrs ago #4
Shirley you jest NoRethugFriends 20 hrs ago #5
I think you're wrong... berksdem 7 hrs ago #6
If any charges are brought drmeow 5 hrs ago #7
He's never going to face any accountability. BannonsLiver 5 hrs ago #8

drray23

(8,690 posts)
2. any evidence would be buried at the DOJ or have to be discovered with a proper investigation
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 10:12 PM
20 hrs ago

We can not do anything until it is properly investigated. Hopefully, that will happen after 2028.

wnylib

(25,525 posts)
4. They can do the investigation now and
Wed Feb 25, 2026, 10:17 PM
20 hrs ago

have their case ready to go aa soon as his successor is sworn in.

If he lives that long or is coherent enough to stand trial.

drmeow

(5,981 posts)
7. If any charges are brought
Thu Feb 26, 2026, 01:00 PM
5 hrs ago

he'll be deemed unfit to stand trial due to cognitive issues.

BannonsLiver

(20,401 posts)
8. He's never going to face any accountability.
Thu Feb 26, 2026, 01:17 PM
5 hrs ago

Between the Trump SCOTUS, a GOP Congress that is still firmly in line, I just don’t see how it happens.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»I think that Trump may no...