If you were arrested after interacting with someone online who turned out to be law enforcement posing as a minor, you may be wondering if you were set up. It’s a fair question—and one that leads many people to ask whether entrapment is a valid defense in Washington child luring cases. Understanding what entrapment really means, and how it applies to internet stings, is key to building your defense.
What Entrapment Actually Means
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement persuades or pressures someone into committing a crime they weren’t otherwise inclined to commit. The key factor is that the idea for the crime originates with the police, not the defendant.
Simply being given the opportunity to break the law isn’t enough to prove entrapment. Courts typically look at whether the accused was already predisposed to commit the offense.
In many sting operations, the initial contact is made through a dating site or social media platform. The undercover officer poses as a minor and waits for the other party to initiate or escalate the conversation. If you were the one who suggested illegal activity or agreed to meet, it may be harder to argue entrapment.
When Entrapment Might Apply
Entrapment becomes a viable defense if the officer repeatedly pushed you to take action or created the idea of meeting up for illegal purposes.
For instance, if chat logs show that you were reluctant, tried to disengage, or asked questions indicating confusion or hesitation—and the officer continued to press or manipulate the situation—that could be important.
Evidence of repeated persuasion, false promises, or emotional manipulation may strengthen an entrapment defense. Your attorney will review chat transcripts, message history, and any recordings to determine how the interaction unfolded.
How Child Luring Cases Are Prosecuted
Washington prosecutors treat child luring cases very seriously. Even if no actual minor was involved, you can still face charges for attempting to meet a minor for illegal purposes. Prosecutors rely heavily on digital evidence such as chat logs, GPS data, and screenshots. In sting operations, the prosecution’s case is often built almost entirely on the digital record.
These cases can result in long prison sentences and mandatory sex offender registration, even for first-time offenders. If you’re convicted, you may also face supervised release, restrictions on where you can live or work, and severe damage to your reputation.
Why You Need a Washington State Attorney Immediately
These cases move fast and can feel overwhelming. The sooner you involve a defense attorney, the better your chance of finding weaknesses in the case. Your lawyer can argue for suppression of evidence, challenge the legality of the sting operation, and determine whether entrapment or other defenses apply.
You don’t have to face this alone. An experienced attorney can assess whether the charges are defensible or whether a reduction or dismissal is possible based on how the case was handled.
Don’t wait. Contact Scott Lawrence of the Snohomish Law Group today for experienced defense in child luring cases.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
