Entrapment is a legal defense that arises when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. In Michigan, as in the rest of the United States, entrapment can serve as a complete defense to criminal charges if successfully proven. At Attisha Law, we understand the complexities of criminal defense and are here to explain how entrapment works and when it can be used in court.

What Is Entrapment?

Entrapment occurs when police officers or government agents persuade, coerce, or pressure someone into committing a crime. The key element in an entrapment defense is proving that the defendant had no predisposition to commit the crime and only did so because of law enforcement’s actions.

Key Elements of Entrapment

To successfully claim entrapment in Michigan, a defendant must demonstrate:

1. Government Inducement: Law enforcement officials actively encouraged or pressured the defendant to commit a crime.
2. Lack of Predisposition: The defendant was not already willing or planning to commit the crime before law enforcement’s involvement.

Legal Standards for Entrapment in Michigan

Michigan courts use an objective test to determine entrapment. This means the court examines whether the police’s actions would have caused a reasonable law-abiding citizen to commit the crime. If the tactics used by law enforcement are deemed overly persuasive or coercive, the defendant may have a valid entrapment defense.

Common Examples of Entrapment

Entrapment can occur in various situations, including:

• Undercover police officers convincing someone to sell drugs when they had no prior intention of doing so.
• Officers using excessive pressure or threats to push someone into committing fraud.
• Sting operations where law enforcement plants the idea of committing a crime in the suspect’s mind.

What Entrapment Is Not

It is important to distinguish entrapment from legitimate law enforcement tactics. The following do not typically constitute entrapment:

• Police providing an opportunity to commit a crime.
• Law enforcement using decoys or undercover officers to catch criminals in the act.
• Officers offering a chance to break the law without coercion or pressure.

How an Attorney Can Help

Successfully proving entrapment requires legal skill and experience. At Attisha Law, we can:

• Analyze the circumstances of your arrest.
• Gather evidence of law enforcement’s involvement in your case.
• Present a strong defense to protect your rights.



If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime and believe entrapment played a role, contact Attisha Law today for a consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for you.