jeopardy
jeopardy. The risk of conviction and punishment that a criminal defendant faces at trial. • Jeopardy attaches in a jury trial when the jury is empaneled, and in a bench trial when the first witness is sworn. — Also termed legal jeopardy. See DOUBLE JEOPARDY. [Cases: Double Jeopardy 59. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 213, 218.]