Numerous types of criminal charges may be eligible for the entrapment defense. Let’s discuss what entrapment is and when it may be a valid defense strategy.
Understanding Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when a police officer or officers coerce an individual into committing a crime. Specifically, the police officer must have acted aggressively through the use of intense pressure, threats, or force, to get the individual to commit the crime under duress. Under normal circumstances, the individual would not have committed the crime. For example, an undercover police officer threatening to harm someone if they don’t commit a drug crime. Then when the individual succumbs to the pressure and commits the crime, they are arrested.
Differences from a Sting Operation
You may be wondering, are all sting operations examples of entrapment? The answer is no, sting operations are legally valid. Sting operations provide an individual with the opportunity to commit a crime, but the police do not place pressure on them to do so. Therefore, when the individual commits the crime set up by the sting operation, it was of their own accord.
When The Entrapment Defense Works
Entrapment is a less common defense strategy. However, when it fits the facts of your case, it can be extremely successful in helping your charges be dismissed.
The entrapment offense may be applicable in cases of:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug sales
- Drug possession
- Theft crimes
- Prostitution
- White-collar crimes
Daytona Beach Criminal Defense Attorneys
The entrapment defense is complicated, and you will need an experienced defense attorney by your side to figure out whether or not it is applicable to your case. If you believe you were the victim of police entrapment, contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A. today. After we learn the details of your arrest, we can help you formulate the strongest defense possible.