Which of the following crimes has a statute of limitations of 5 years?

The correct answer is theft, which is classified as a state jail felony or a misdemeanor depending on the value of the property stolen. Under Texas law, most theft offenses have a statute of limitations of five years. This means that the prosecution must initiate legal proceedings within five years of the commission of the crime; otherwise, the right to prosecute the offense is lost.

In contrast, robbery typically has a longer statute of limitations, often set at 5 to 10 years depending on the circumstances. Money laundering is subject to a different set of rules and generally carries a statute of limitations of 5 years, but is more complex due to the federal laws that can apply. Misapplication of funds also generally falls under a 5-year limit, but understanding the specific context and variations in statutes is crucial.

Thus, while theft is the clearest example of a crime with a straightforward 5-year limitation, the nuances surrounding other crimes may lead to different limitations or conditions for prosecution. Understanding these specific statutes helps to clarify when a legal case can be brought forward based on the type of offense committed.