You may have heard of the entrapment defense, but what is it and how can you prove it? Below we look at what entrapment often looks like, why police entrap people, what evidence can be used to prove police misconduct, and what a veteran Florida criminal defense attorney can do to help you fight the charges against you after an arrest. 

Classic Entrapment

Classic entrapment is similar to what’s depicted in many police procedural television shows, movies, and books. For example, this type might look like a police officer posing as a drug buyer who asks a suspected dealer to sell him drugs, or an undercover officer posing as a prostitute who solicits sex from a john. 

In these cases, government agents created or increased the temptation to commit a crime through their actions, potentially allowing for a successful defense. This type may also be passive, which occurs when law enforcement creates an opportunity for someone to commit a crime but does not pressure them or coerce them into doing so.

Reasons for Police Entrapment

Police entrapment is a controversial law enforcement tactic with a long history. There are many reasons why police might resort to entrapment, including catching criminals in the act, gathering evidence against suspects, and even making arrests for political reasons. 

For example, if the police lack evidence, they may use it as a way to get suspects to incriminate themselves or provide information that can be used against them.

Evidence For Entrapment

Two main types of evidence can be used to prove it: direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. Direct evidence is typically more powerful and consists of firsthand accounts of what occurred between the defendant and police officers. Circumstantial evidence, on the other hand, is based on indirect observations or inferences drawn from other facts.

Circumstantial evidence, while not as strong as direct evidence, can still be useful in proving entrapment and can include things like phone records indicating repeated calls from police officers to the defendant, or text messages pressuring the defendant to commit a crime. 

Call A Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Attorney Now 

If you believe you were entrapped by the police, you need strong legal advocacy. Contact Michael T. Rabideau today for a consultation to discuss the case against you in Palm Beach by dialing (561) 820-4848.