What Is Double Jeopardy?

What Is Double Jeopardy?

– KE, Texas

Answer:

In the recent Casey Anthony trial there was some discussion of double jeopardy. This means that once a person has been found not guilty they cannot be prosecuted again for the same crime.

If tomorrow, evidence were to appear showing that Casey Anthony had killed her child, she would not go back to jail. Jeopardy attaches once a jury has been selected and sworn in. That means if a judge dismisses the case after that point, the case is over.

This answer does not constitute legal advice, which can only be rendered after a full consideration of the facts of your case which is not possible in this format; nor establish an attorney-client relationship, which can only be done after you and an attorney meet and agree on the terms of that relationship. This answer is intended solely to provide general information about the justice system. Further, it does not provide the basis for making decisions about a course of action. Before making any decisions about a course of action readers are strongly encouraged to contact a lawyer and secure an attorney-client relationship. Readers must also understand that this format does not provide for confidential communication. Moreover, links to information on this site are for your convenience only and are not an endorsement or recommendation of those sites, and no responsibility is taken for any information at these linked sites, nor makes any representation or warranty with respect to these sites or the information contained therein.