If you’re facing criminal charges in Missouri, you may wonder:

“Was I set up? Did the police trick me into committing this crime?”

This question leads many people to ask about entrapment—a legal defense that, if proven, can get charges dismissed entirely.

But entrapment is often misunderstood. It’s not enough to say “the police were sneaky” or “they tempted me.” Missouri law has specific rules for what counts as entrapment—and what doesn’t.

At KC Defense Counsel, our experienced criminal defense lawyers can help you navigate the often confusing Missouri legal system. We help clients throughout Kansas City and Missouri understand their rights and defend against overzealous police tactics.

WHAT IS ENTRAPMENT IN MISSOURI?

Entrapment happens when law enforcement officers induce someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise committed.

Under Missouri law (RSMo. 562.066), entrapment is defined as:

“Inducing or persuading someone to commit an offense that they were not ready or willing to commit.”

If police cross the line from investigating crime to creating it, that’s entrapment.

THE TWO KEY ELEMENTS OF ENTRAPMENT

For an entrapment defense in Missouri, you generally have to show:

Government Inducement

Police or their agents persuaded, coerced, or pressured you into committing the crime.
Examples: repeated pressure, threats, harassment.

Lack of Predisposition

You were not already willing or planning to commit the crime.
You wouldn’t have done it without the police’s persuasion.

If both elements are proven, you may have a valid entrapment defense.

EXAMPLES OF ENTRAPMENT

Likely Entrapment:

An undercover officer repeatedly pressures you to sell drugs even after you say no.
Police threaten or intimidate you into committing a crime.
Officers create a crime that wouldn’t have existed otherwise and push you to participate.

Not Entrapment:

Police give you an opportunity to commit a crime you were already willing to do.
You eagerly agree to sell drugs when asked once.
An undercover officer simply asks if you want to buy illegal items.

ENTRAPMENT VS. STING OPERATIONS

Many people confuse entrapment with sting operations.

Stings are legal: Police can go undercover, pose as buyers or sellers, and catch people breaking the law.

Entrapment is illegal: It crosses the line when officers pressure or manipulate someone into committing a crime they weren’t predisposed to commit.

HOW TO PROVE ENTRAPMENT IN MISSOURI

Entrapment is an affirmative defense. That means:

You admit the act happened.
But you claim you only did it because of improper police pressure.

Your defense attorney needs to show:

The government induced the crime.
You weren’t ready or willing to commit it before police intervention.

This is often done through:

Cross-examining undercover officers
Highlighting text messages or recordings of police pressuring you
Showing a clean criminal record to prove lack of predisposition

YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED MISSOURI CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER ON YOUR SIDE

Entrapment defenses are complex. Prosecutors will argue you were ready to commit the crime anyway.

At KC Defense Counsel, we know how to:

Investigate police tactics for improper inducement
Subpoena evidence of overreach
Cross-examine officers effectively
Present a strong case for dismissal or acquittal

Entrapment isn’t about police offering you a chance to commit a crime. It’s about police creating the crime by pressuring you into doing something you weren’t already willing to do.

If you think you were set up, don’t try to fight it alone.

CONTACT KC DEFENSE COUNSEL TODAY AND LET US HELP YOU

If you’re facing criminal charges in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, and you believe you were entrapped, call KC Defense Counsel for a free case evaluation. Our affordable Kansas City defense lawyers will listen to your story, explain your rights, and build the strongest defense possible to protect your freedom.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland, Drexel, Fairview, Ferrelview, Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview, Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill, Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy, Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers near me in Missouri can be of assistance.