Posted on January 6, 2026 in Criminal Defense

What Is Entrapment?

Entrapment is a legal defense that applies when law enforcement pressures someone to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. In Arizona, this defense protects individuals from unfair police tactics that go beyond investigation and become inducement.

If you’ve been charged with a crime and believe that police coerced you into illegal activity in some way, you may have a valid entrapment defense. Learning about how Arizona defines and applies this concept is key to protecting your rights.

Entrapment Under Arizona Law

The defense of entrapment is outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-206. Per this law, entrapment occurs when a person commits an offense because they were “urged and induced” to do so by “law enforcement officers or their agents.”

To prove entrapment in Arizona, the defendant must show three things:

• The idea for the crime came from law enforcement, not the defendant.
• The officer or agent persuaded the defendant to commit the crime.
• The defendant was not already willing or planning to commit that offense.

This means that entrapment doesn’t apply if the defendant was already inclined to commit the crime and law enforcement simply provided an opportunity for it to happen.

When Entrapment Might Occur

Entrapment can occur in a wide range of criminal cases, particularly those involving undercover operations and sting operations.

Common examples include:

• Drug crime investigations where an officer pressures someone to supply narcotics
• Prostitution cases where an undercover officer repeatedly encourages participation
• Internet sting operations involving alleged child exploitation
• Illegal weapons sales schemes set up by undercover agents

If police use repeated manipulation to convince a person to commit a crime, the defense might successfully argue that the individual was entrapped.

What Entrapment Is Not

It’s essential to note that merely being offered the opportunity to commit a crime does not qualify as entrapment. Law enforcement is allowed to use deception in undercover work. Entrapment only applies if the officer’s actions went further. This means creating a situation where a person who otherwise would not have broken the law ends up doing so because of coercive tactics.

For example, if someone was already planning to sell illegal drugs and an undercover officer made a purchase, that is not entrapment. However, if the officer persistently pressured someone with no prior intent to get involved in a sale, it could qualify as a violation.

How This Defense Works in Court

If you claim entrapment in Arizona, you are still admitting that you committed the act in question. However, you are also essentially arguing that the government’s conduct made you do it. This defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, a higher standard than that required for most affirmative defenses.

Your criminal defense lawyer will examine all of the available evidence to determine whether officers crossed the line. If entrapment can be established, the charges against you may be dismissed entirely. However, this outcome is never guaranteed and ultimately depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.

Contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer at Orent Law Offices Today for a Free Consultation

Entrapment is a complex defense that depends heavily on the specific actions of law enforcement. If you believe the police led you into committing a crime, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Phoenix criminal defense attorney right away.

Call Orent Law Offices today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.