Entrapment is a defense to criminal charges based on an interaction with a police officer before or during the alleged crime. If you believe that a police officer induced you into committing a crime, you might have criminal entrapment as a defense. Our Arizona criminal defense attorneys explain more about criminal entrapment and how to determine if it applies to your case.
Criminal Entrapment
Entrapment is based on the interaction between police officers and the defendant prior to (or during) the crime. In most cases, entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers use coercion and overbearing tactics to convince or persuade someone to commit a crime.
However, it is important to note that entrapment doesn’t occur simply when a police officer or government official gives a person the “opportunity” to commit a crime. Entrapment occurs when a police officer threatens or harasses a person to commit a crime.
For example, suppose Jack is facing criminal charges for selling drugs to an undercover police officer. According to Jack’s statement, he used the drugs for personal use only. However, he stated that the undercover police officer persuaded him to sell him drugs for over two weeks. The undercover police officer told Jack that the drugs would help his grandfather be comfortable for the last few days he had to live, so Jack finally gave in and sold the police officer the drugs – and immediately was arrested. This would be considered criminal entrapment.
Although police officers are allowed to lie, they are not allowed to pressure or convince someone to commit a crime.
How to Protect Your Rights
If you believe that you were entrapped by a police officer’s overbearing tactics, you have rights that protect you. Our team at Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. can analyze your case and help you determine the best course of action to protect your rights. We have helped individuals across Arizona and the United States get their charges reduced or even dismissed. Get our team’s knowledge, skills, and experience on your side.
Contact us today at (602) 842-6762 to schedule a consultation!