text: what is the time limit in ohio in which someone can file rape charges? me and my friend watched law and order svu and had a debate on whether or not you can press charges 4 years after a alleged rape.  i can't seem to find any information on it. first one to post the correct answer with a verifiable source gets best answer and 5 stars. help settle this bet! the problem with filing charges so late is that after 24 hours there is no evidence to back the case. how is a jury supposed to convict an alleged rapist with no evidence, the evidence doesn't lie, but people do. it really doesn't matter what state your in, a person is judged by a jury of random people who listen to the testimonies of both sides. now, 4 years later, this girl wants to come forward? the question is, does she have a witness? any evidence what so ever? any proof that this person allegedly raped her four years ago??? come on, who's going to believe her.