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Entrapment: A Vital Defense Strategy Explained

The concept of ‘entrapment’ often sparks intrigue and debate in both media and real-life legal proceedings.

The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm, specializing in defense law, aims to clarify this complex legal theory.

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What is Entrapment?

Entrapment in criminal law occurs when a defendant is induced or persuaded by law enforcement to commit a crime they had no intention of committing.

The defense of entrapment is intended to prevent law enforcement from coercing innocent people into criminal activities.

However, merely providing an opportunity for a crime is not considered entrapment.

Entrapment Types

There are two main forms of entrapment defenses: subjective and objective.

  1. Subjective Entrapment: This type focuses on the state of mind of the defendant. The court examines whether the defendant was inclined to commit the crime before law enforcement’s influence.

  2. Objective Entrapment: This type focuses on the actions of law enforcement. The court examines whether the police’s conduct would have caused a reasonable person to commit a crime.


Each state uses either one or both of these methods in determining entrapment.

Entrapment in Nevada

Entrapment is a legitimate defense in Nevada, where The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm operates.

However, the defendant must prove that they were entrapped.

The defendant must show that the intention to commit the crime came from law enforcement officers and they were not inclined to commit the offense.

Entrapment and Sting Operations

A common question is the distinction between entrapment and lawful sting operations.

Sting operations are legal and an accepted strategy for apprehending criminals.

The difference lies in the initiation and the intent.

In a valid sting operation, law enforcement officers present an opportunity for an inclined individual to commit a crime.

However, it becomes entrapment if law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they would not have ordinarily committed.

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Final Thoughts

Entrapment is a complex but intriguing aspect of criminal defense law.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of entrapment, it’s vital to seek the assistance of a competent defense attorney.

The Rosenblum Allen Law Firm is ready to protect your rights and ensure you get a fair trial.

We’ll provide you with the best possible defense strategy with our understanding of defense laws and experience in handling entrapment cases.

Don’t navigate the complex legal waters alone; contact us for effective legal guidance.

Everyone has the right to a robust defense. Entrapment might be a challenging defense to prove, but it’s certainly not impossible with the right legal team on your side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between objective and subjective entrapment?

Objective entrapment revolves around law enforcement actions, while subjective entrapment focuses on the defendant’s mindset and predisposition toward the crime.

Who bears the burden of proving entrapment in a legal defense?

Generally, the defendant must demonstrate entrapment. They need to show that law enforcement induced them to commit the crime and that they had no initial intent to do so.

Can the entrapment defense be used for any crime?

The entrapment defense can be utilized in various cases where it’s evident that law enforcement induced the defendant to commit the crime. However, specifics may vary based on jurisdiction and the nature of the crime.

How often does the entrapment defense succeed in court?

The success rate of an entrapment defense depends largely on the specific circumstances of the case and the skill and experience of the defense attorney. It’s generally regarded as a challenging defense to establish.

Are entrapment and sting operations the same?

No, they are not. Sting operations transition into entrapment only when law enforcement persuades a person to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.

What’s the process for establishing entrapment in court?

Establishing entrapment in court involves demonstrating that law enforcement induced the crime and that the defendant wasn’t predisposed to commit it. Evidence may include surveillance footage, audio recordings, witness accounts, and relevant documents. Consulting with an experienced defense attorney is essential.

Can the entrapment defense be applied in federal courts?

Yes, the entrapment defense can be used in federal courts. However, the application and interpretation of entrapment laws may vary, so consulting with an attorney familiar with federal criminal law is crucial.

If a private individual induces the crime, can it still be considered entrapment?

Entrapment laws typically pertain to actions taken by law enforcement agencies. If a private individual persuades someone to commit a crime, it may not qualify as entrapment. However, specifics can vary by jurisdiction and situation, necessitating case-specific guidance from a legal professional.

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Glossary

Entrapment: A situation in criminal law where a defendant claims they were induced or persuaded by law enforcement to commit a crime they had no intention of committing.

Subjective Entrapment: A type of entrapment defense that focuses on the defendant’s mind and predisposition to commit the crime.

Objective Entrapment: A type of entrapment defense that focuses on the actions of law enforcement, specifically whether the conduct would have caused a reasonable person to commit a crime.

Defense Law: An area of law that deals with the rights of the accused and the protections offered to them under the law.

Sting Operations: Covert operations designed to catch a person committing a crime. They are legal and accepted strategies for apprehending criminals.

Burden of Proof: The obligation to present evidence to the court to prove a fact or set of facts. In an entrapment case, the burden of proof often lies with the defendant.

Jurisdiction: The legal authority to hear and decide a case. It can refer to a geographical area (like a state or country) or a specific area of law.

Defense Attorney: A lawyer who represents the accused in court and works to protect their rights, including arguing the case, cross-examining witnesses, and negotiating plea deals.

Federal Courts: Courts that deal with legal issues at the national level in the United States, including federal laws, disputes between states, and constitutional law.

Induce: To cause or persuade someone to act in a certain way. In the context of entrapment, it refers to law enforcement persuading or coercing a person to commit a crime.

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Additional Resources for You

Molly Rosenblum, Esq., our lead attorney, has meticulously developed a comprehensive array of resources to assist those facing criminal charges or seeking legal guidance in criminal matters. Available through the Rosenblum Law website, these resources are designed to provide essential information and support across a wide range of criminal law areas. Whether you’re dealing with DUI charges, domestic violence accusations, drug possession cases, or any other criminal law issue, these resources offer guidance, legal insight, and the expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Here’s a brief overview of the resources you can access:

  1. Criminal Defense Attorneys: In-depth support and legal defense strategies for individuals facing criminal charges. Explore the resource.

  2. Las Vegas DUI Lawyer: Specialized legal assistance for those charged with DUI, offering strategies to defend against these serious allegations. Learn more.

  3. Domestic Violence Lawyer Las Vegas: Expertise in handling domestic violence cases, providing legal support and defense for accused individuals. Discover the details.

  4. Drug Possession Lawyer: Guidance and defense strategies for individuals facing drug possession charges, aiming to protect their rights and minimize consequences. Start your defense.

  5. Sex Crimes Attorney: Specialized legal support for those accused of sex crimes, offering discrete and robust defense tactics. Understand your options.

  6. CPS Defense Attorney: Legal assistance for cases involving child protective services, including child abuse and neglect allegations. Learn about CPS defense.

  7. Misdemeanor Lawyer: Support for individuals charged with misdemeanors, focusing on reducing charges and penalties. Explore misdemeanor defense.

  8. Juvenile Defense Lawyers: Dedicated legal defense for minors facing criminal charges, emphasizing rehabilitation and minimal legal impact. Start juvenile defense.

  9. Las Vegas Warrant Defense Attorney: Assistance for individuals with outstanding warrants, aiming to resolve these matters effectively. Address your warrant.

  10. Las Vegas Probation Violation Attorney: Legal guidance for those accused of probation violations, seeking to avoid harsh penalties or jail time. Understand probation violation defense.

  11. Theft Crime Defense Lawyer: Defense strategies for individuals facing theft charges, aiming to protect their rights and future. Learn about theft defense.

  12. Kidnapping Lawyers: Expert legal assistance for kidnapping charges, providing a robust defense to challenge the accusations. Explore kidnapping defense.

  13. Firearms Lawyer Las Vegas: Legal support for individuals facing firearms charges, focusing on defending Second Amendment rights and navigating complex laws. Understand firearms defense.

Through these resources, Molly Rosenblum, Esq., aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and legal support needed to face the criminal justice system with confidence. We encourage you to utilize these resources to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate your legal challenges as effectively as possible.

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Offsite Resources You May Find Helpful

Here are the resources with the appropriate bolding:

  1. Legal Information Institute – Entrapment: This page from Cornell Law School’s Legal Information Institute provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of entrapment, its legal basis, and its role in the United States legal system.

  2. Justia – Entrapment: Justia is a legal resource website that provides free and comprehensive information on several legal topics. This page explains the doctrine of entrapment in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.

  3. JSTOR – The Defense of Entrapment in Federal Court: This scholarly article from the Duke Law Journal on JSTOR provides an in-depth analysis of the defense of entrapment in federal court. Though academic, it may be of interest to those looking for a deeper understanding of the topic.

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A Special Message from Our Lead Attorney

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Molly Rosenblum, Esq

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading through these resources. The information they contain is intended to provide some guidance in complex legal situations.

If you need further assistance, a conversation might be beneficial.

Please reach out for a free consultation. We can discuss your specific situation and how best to move forward.

You can reach us at (702) 433-2889.

Best regards,
Molly Rosenblum, Esq.

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