A notary public falsely certifies a document in 2020, but the false certification is not discovered until 2023. Under Government Code section 6203, within what time frame must prosecution for this offense be commenced?

AI Explanation

Statute of limitations for false certificate by a notary. Government Code section 6203(b) provides a special, extended statute of limitations for false certificates: 'prosecution for a violation of this offense shall be commenced within four years after discovery of the commission of the offense, or within four years after the completion of the offense, whichever is later.' This is longer than the standard misdemeanor limitation period and reflects the concealed nature of false certifications.