What does "double jeopardy" mean under Texas law?

"Double jeopardy" under Texas law refers to the constitutional protection that prevents an individual from being prosecuted or punished for the same offense after a final verdict has been rendered. This principle is enshrined in both the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 14 of the Texas Constitution. It ensures that once a person has been acquitted or convicted, they cannot be subjected to further prosecution for that same crime, thereby safeguarding individuals from the emotional and financial toll of multiple criminal trials for the same conduct.

This concept is fundamental in the justice system to promote finality in legal proceedings, ensuring that individuals are not continuously harassed by the state for the same offense and that once a resolution has been reached, it holds. Thus, the correct understanding of double jeopardy emphasizes the protection against retrials after a legitimate verdict has been made, whether that verdict is an acquittal or a conviction. This protects the integrity of the adjudicative process and enhances public trust in the legal system.