"Statute of Limitations" is a term used by courts to describe the maximum amount of time plaintiffs can wait before bringing a lawsuit after the events they are suing over have occurred. This time limit is typically set by state statute and is intended to promote fairness and keep old cases from clogging the courts. Generally speaking, the limitations period for intrusion claims begins to run on the date when the intrusion occurred.

Each state sets it own time limits for bringing a lawsuit and a court will typically apply the appropriate statute of limitations of the state in which the suit is filed. A relatively short limitations period is an acknowledgment of the importance of free speech principles, since a short time period reduces the potential chilling effects of speech-challenging lawsuits.

Because each state has its own statute of limitations for intrusion claims, which vary between one and four years, you should refer to the state sections listed below to find out what the specific statute of limitations is in your state. (Note that the guide does not include every state at this time.)