What is entrapment in federal criminal law?

Entrapment in federal criminal law is when an individual is induced or persuaded by law enforcement officers or their agents to commit a crime they would not have ordinarily committed. In other words, entrapment happens when officers create a situation that would have not otherwise been present, so that the individual would commit a crime. This would involve either the officer or their agent to initiate a conversation or suggestion regarding the crime, and then the individual commits the crime. In Maine, entrapment is a valid defense against criminal prosecution for crimes committed as a result of entrapment. A defendant can raise a claim of entrapment if they believe they were induced to commit the crime in question by law enforcement officers or their agents. In order for the entrapment defense to be successful, the defendant must show that their behavior was the result of the coercive behavior by law enforcement or their agent, and not by their own volition. The entrapment defense is most successful when the defendant can demonstrate that they had no predisposition, or prior criminal record, to committing the crime that they are now accused of committing. Additionally, the court will consider whether the law enforcement officers or their agents used excessive pressure in order to induce the defendant to commit the crime. If the court finds that the defendant was entrapped, then the prosecution’s case against them should fail.

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What is entrapment in federal criminal law?

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