What is entrapment?

In South Carolina, it is no secret that being charged with a crime can be a very serious matter. No matter the severity of the charges, a conviction can still damage your future as the mark on your record can remain for the rest of your life. This may mean you struggle to find work or are unable to apply to the colleges you had in mind. It could even limit your accommodation options.

Ultimately, if you have been charged with a crime, the first thing you need to think about is how to protect your reputation and your future. In some cases, simple denial may be enough, but in others you might need to consider a different line of defense. For example, if you were tricked into committing a crime by an officer or other government employee, you may be able to use this information in your case. This is known as an entrapment defense.

As this article on criminal charges explains, the reason entrapment can sometimes work as a defense is the belief that it is not right for the government to be able to convict you for participating in an offense which it coerced you to commit. However, this defense relies on the court determining that you were not likely to have committed the crime otherwise. That is, if you are deemed to be predisposed to the sort of criminal action for which you have been charged, an entrapment defense may not be successful

Of course, every case is unique and the specific circumstance of your case will play a large part in the outcome of your trial. Even so, a strong defense is invaluable and may make the difference between a guilty verdict and escaping conviction. An attorney can help you choose your line of defense and may be able to support you through the legal process.