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What Double Jeopardy May Mean for Your California Criminal Case

People accused of crimes have rights. These include the right to remain silent, the right to have a speedy and public trial, the right to be represented by an attorney, and many more. Crucial to the justice of the US legal system, these rights must be protected and extended to everyone.

One of the little known, yet still important, rights given to those accused of a crime is the right to not be tried twice for the same crime, also known as "double jeopardy." This right protects the individual from being tried continually for the same crime without new evidence.

Most importantly, the double jeopardy rule ensures that those acquitted on criminal charges can put their lives back together. No one could move on from being accused of a crime if constantly scared of being dragged back into court and put on trial again.

Whether you have been charged with a California homicide, violent crime or felony, a white collar crime, or a misdemeanor offense, you need to understand your right of double jeopardy. Double jeopardy was originally intended just for federal government cases but now applies to all specific state charges as well.

However, double jeopardy does not exist without some limitations. Your right to not be tried twice for the same offense does not apply if federal and state governments choose to pursue the case separately, if a judge overrules the decision of a jury and the case is appealed, or if civil charges are brought separately from criminal charges.

If you are unsure of your legal rights in a California criminal case, you need to contact a Ventura criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Criminal cases can be complicated, and having an experienced lawyer on your side can make the difference between an acquittal and a conviction.

Do not trust your future to just any lawyer. Call the Ventura criminal defense attorneys at Bamieh & Erickson today. We will protect the solemn rights given to you by the US Constitution, and do everything in our power to ensure you get a fair trial.

Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of both sides of the criminal process, and they will bring years of experience to your case. Call us today at (805) 643-5555.

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