I hope you won't mind answering a question for me that doesn't have
anything to do with my personal situation--I'm writing a story (might
turn into a novel) and I'm desperately trying to find some answers so I
can be accurate! This situation happens in Georgia, and I know that
things vary from state to state, but I'm really hoping someone here can help.

To sum it up: My character was involved in a taped sexual situation
when he was 15. The police became aware of the video a year later and they identified him within a week of receiving the video. They arrested him
within a couple of days of discovering his identity because they
thought he had committed rape. Due to some plot twists and turns, (long
story), they released him without ever bringing charges against him.

How long do they have to charge him? Within a certain amount of time
after the incident itself? Or within a certain amount of time after the
video was given to police? Within a certain amount of time after they
discovered his identity? Or arrested him? When does the statute of
limitations "clock" start running in this case, and how long is it?

I'm asking this because I'm thinking of having my character pursue a
lawsuit against certain individuals/entities due to abuses he suffered
after his arrest and having his constitutional rights violated. I'm
wondering, if the statute of limitations hasn't run out, would he have to
worry that they would bring charges against him in retaliation for his
lawsuit? (A big part of the plot is an unethical prosecutor). Or would it
make more sense for him to wait until the statute of limitations runs
out on the rape charges before he files his lawsuit?

Also, what would be the time limit for him to file his civil suit?
(Remember, he was a minor at the time of his arrest).

I have tried to research this on the internet, even going to
Georgia-specific websites, but I can't find any answers that specifically address my questions. All I can find are answers like, "Well, it varies."

Please help this struggling writer! Thanks!