Double Jeopardy

Lyglenson Lemorin must appear this week in front of an immigration judge on terrorism charges — the very same charges a federal jury acquitted him of last December after a long trial. It technically is not a case of double jeopardy because Lemorin goes before an administrative judge in immigration court, which is a civil — not criminal — proceeding with a lower standard of proof and no jury. If he loses, he could be deported to Haiti. According to the Miami Herald, legal experts say Lemorin, 33, who is in immigration detention, would be one of the only lawful permanent residents deported from the US after being acquitted of terrorism charges and having no prior criminal record. The case is being watched closely by lawyers around the country because it could encourage the government to take similar action against other immigrants.

KJ