It depends on the situation. The maximum time limit for prosecution of criminal cases is 20 years, and the maximum legal punishment is less than 5 years of fixed-term imprisonment, and the time limit for prosecution is 5 years.
According to Article 87 of the Criminal Law, a crime will not be prosecuted after the following periods:
（1） Five years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of less than five years;
（2） 10 years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of not less than five years but not more than 10 years;
（3） Fifteen years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years;
（4） If the maximum punishment prescribed is life imprisonment or death penalty, 20 years shall elapse. If it is deemed necessary to prosecute after 20 years, it shall be reported to the Supreme People's Procuratorate for approval.
Legal basis:
Article 87 of the Criminal Law
The crime shall not be prosecuted after the following time limit:
（1） Five years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of less than five years;
（2） 10 years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of not less than five years but not more than 10 years;
（3） Fifteen years, if the maximum punishment prescribed is fixed-term imprisonment of not less than 10 years;
（4） If the maximum punishment prescribed is life imprisonment or death penalty, 20 years shall elapse. If it is deemed necessary to prosecute after 20 years, it shall be reported to the Supreme People's Procuratorate for approval.
