Quote Quoting justicetruthnow
This happened in a small town where the "hysteria" makes a fair trial impossible, so IF it were to go back to trial, "what are the chances" of winning?
That, unfortunately, is impossible to guess - his attorney may be able to provide an estimation of his chances at trial, but we don't have the necessary background.

Quote Quoting justicetruthnow
The sentence would be less than he has already served, so it would be for "time served", and he would be on 5 months parole.
It is not unusual for a prosecutor to agree to a plea deal with a "time served"-type sentence following a reversal.

Quote Quoting justicetruthnow
IF HE WERE TO TAKE A PLEA on this basis, where he could then be out of prison within weeks -- as opposed to years if it goes back to trial -- how would that affect any civil action against those who caused and allowed this to happen:
It's not particularly easy to win a civil suit over a criminal prosecution, even where you are acquitted of all charges.

Quote Quoting justicetruthnow
Would accepting a plea to a NON-sexual offense have the effect of precluding any civil actions against the parties guilty of tortious acts against him?
He needs to consult with a lawyer who is interested in handling the case about whether any particular plea deal would hurt his chances. But he also needs to consider the very real benefits of getting out of jail.

Quote Quoting justicetruthnow
AND when does the Statute of Limitations run out for a civil suit -- does the two years begin, as he has been led to believe, when he is released from prison?
Whether the statute of limitations for any cause of action has run, and whether there might be some basis for asserting that it was tolled during his period of incarceration, is something he should discuss with his lawyer. You can read the Arizona Statutes of Limitations on the Arizona State Legislature website (scroll down to Article 5).