Withdrawal as a defense to conspiracy based on the statute of limitations is a legal defense available to individuals accused of conspiring to commit a crime. This defense is available when the defendant can prove that he or she withdrew from the conspiracy prior to the statute of limitations expiring. Generally, the statute of limitations is the amount of time that a person has to bring a criminal charge against someone. There are two types of withdrawal as a defense to conspiracy based on the statute of limitations: actual withdrawal and constructive withdrawal. Actual withdrawal occurs when the defendant can prove that he or she took steps to physically remove himself or herself from the conspiracy. Constructive withdrawal occurs when the defendant can prove that he or she took steps to effectively end his or her participation in the conspiracy. This could include, for example, providing information to the authorities or taking steps to prevent the conspiracy from succeeding. To successfully use this defense, the defendant must be able to prove that the withdrawal was complete and was done prior to the statute of limitations expiring.