Double Jeopardy

Definition

A constitutional protection found in the Fifth Amendment that prohibits the government from prosecuting or punishing a person more than once for the same criminal offense. Once 'jeopardy attaches,' the government generally cannot retry a defendant for the same crime.

Examples

• •Hunter argues that when he pleaded guilty under the plea agreement, jeopardy attached and the government is now barred from prosecuting him again for the same offenses.

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