Can a person be charged for the same crime twice?

Back in 2002 I was beaten by my sons father. I had been through so much in life that I allowed this to go on for almost two years. When he was locked up for this he contacted me and talked me out of coming to court so he can get a speedy trial and he beat the case. It's now 4 years later and I have his 4 yr old son (i was pregnant at the time of the last brutal beating). I want to get full custody of my son because I afraid that he is still the same person he was 4 yrs ago (he has been incarcerated for about 3 1/2 years) and I don't want my son to have any dealing with him. Is their anything I can do to prevent this. Help Me Please!