What are the elements of an entrapment defense?

Entrapment is a criminal law defense that can be used when an individual has been accused of committing a crime that was induced by someone in a law enforcement position. In the state of Washington, a defendant can assert an entrapment defense if the following elements are present: First, the law enforcement officer must have persuaded, coerced, or induced the accused to commit a crime that the accused was not otherwise predisposed to commit. In other words, the officer must have placed the defendant in a situation in which they had no real choice but to commit the offense. Second, the defendant must have had no prior intent to commit the crime. This means that the accused must not have been thinking of committing the crime before the law enforcement officer approached them. Third, the defendant must prove that they were actually entrapped by the law enforcement officer. This means they must provide evidence that the officer gave them a reason to commit the crime and that they agreed to do so because of this reason. If the defendant can prove that these three elements were present when the crime was committed, then they will have presented a valid entrapment defense. Entrapment is a serious offense and can be used to provide legal protection for people who are falsely accused of a crime by law enforcement.

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What are the elements of an entrapment defense?

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