Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.
Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..link
Double Jeopardy Law: Can You Be Tried Twice?
The rule against double jeopardy has protected defendants for centuries—but recent reforms allow retrials in exceptional cases.
The principle of double jeopardy means that once a person has been acquitted of a crime, they cannot be tried again for the same offence. This protection dates back over 800 years and was designed to uphold finality in criminal proceedings and prevent state overreach.
Historically, two key doctrines applied:
- Autrefois acquit: A bar to retrial after acquittal.
- Autrefois convict: A bar to retrial after conviction.
Courts also treated it as an abuse of process to bring fresh charges based on the same facts.
2003 Reform: A Shift in the Balance.
The Criminal Justice Act 2003, Part 10, introduced a major exception. In cases involving serious offences—such as murder—the Court of Appeal may now quash an acquittal and order a retrial if:
- The original trial ended in acquittal.
- New and compelling evidence has emerged, strongly indicating guilt.
Examples include:
- DNA or fingerprint evidence was unavailable at the time of the trial.
- New witnesses or confessions.
How It Works Today:
- Retrials are permitted only for the most serious crimes.
- The Court of Appeal must approve the application.
- The evidence must be both new and compelling—not previously available and highly probative.
This reform aims to strike a balance between the historic protection of defendants and the pursuit of justice in light of modern forensic advancements.
Disclaimer: Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors. Content on this site is not legal advice and should not replace consultation with a regulated solicitor. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, no content is guaranteed to be completely accurate. Using this site does not establish a client relationship.
Feedback: Is there anything wrong with this page? Amendments may receive accreditation—email us.
related news
Agricultural Law.
link
Aviation Law Solicitors.
This is a highly specialised area of the Law and covers both aircraft and their facilities as well as many other areas detailed here.
link
Charity Law Solicitors.
As a charity it is important to understand your legal obligations and rights, a Charity Law solicitor swill be able to help with this, find Charity Law Solicitors from Solicitors.com
link
Civil Liberties and Human Rights | Solicitors.com
Solicitors.com - if you are looking to take action under the Human Rights Act, understand your rights and how a solicitor can assist you.
link
Construction and Civil Engineering Law | Solicitors.com
link
Consumer Law, Consumer problems.
We have produced a few guides to help you but would recommend that you speak to a solicitor as all situations are different.
link
Education solicitors | Solicitors.com
link
Property Abroad.
If you are looking to buy a property abroad you will need expert legal advice, this section details services provided, and offers guidance on how to find a solicitor for your needs.
linkrecent articles
Double Jeopardy Law
What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..
linkSpeeding motoring offences
Speeding motoring offences
Over 100,000 motorists are caught speeding each year, many have attended speed awareness courses, many were fined and received point..link
Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-Social Behaviour.
Anti-social behaviour is defined as activities that are unacceptable and reduce the quality of life for others, this could be by harassm..link
What is a Section 60 notice?
Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..
linkChildren and the Law - Car Safety
Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must,..link
Children and the law - Committing a crime
Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..link
Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours
Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..link
Stop and Search Laws to be changed?
Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..
linkInjunctions.
How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...link
Domestic Violence Guide
Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..link
Appointing a Solicitor
Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...link
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us link
Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
link.jpg)
Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
link
Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
link
Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
link
Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
link
Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
link
Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
link
Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
link
Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
link
Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
link