Duhaime's Law Dictionary Autrefois Acquit Definition: Previously acquitted; an accused cannot be tried for a crime because the record shows he has already been subjected to trial for the same conduct and was acquitted. Related Terms: Double Jeopardy, Acquittal French word now part of English criminal law terminology. Refers to an accused who cannot be tried for a crime because the record shows he has already been subjected to trial for the same conduct and was acquitted. If the accused maintains that the previous trial resulted in conviction, he or she pleads "autrefois convict." Autrefois attaint is another similar term; "attainted" for a felony, a person cannot be tried again for the same offence. Any attempt to re-try a person for the same offence can be met with the defence of double jeopardy. Categories & Topics: Duhaime's Criminal Law Dictionary Duhaime's Law French Dictionary Always looking up definitions? Save time with our search provider (modern browsers only) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Law Dictionary, or if you have suggestion for a legal term, we'd love to hear from you!