Bucks County Statute of Limitations on Misdemeanors

If you are arrested on a misdemeanor offense, the statute of limitations is 2 years according to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5552.  Prosecution must commence within the two years.  

Please note -- it doesn't mean your trial must have started.  It means "prosecution".  So, what does "prosecution" mean for Bucks County crimes?  

Commonwealth v. Milano is a well-treated case (meaning, it has not been overruled) that explains that the filing of arrest warrants timely commences prosecution.  It does not mean having a trial.  I have had cases where a warrant is issued four days before the 2 year statute (there must be a great big calendar somewhere that tracks these issues).  But, then you have to look at Speedy Trial issues if there is a 365 day delay after the warrant has been issued.