Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces or persuades an individual to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. Georgia law defines entrapment as a complete defense to criminal charges if:

• The idea to commit the crime originated with law enforcement.
• The defendant was persuaded or pressured by police officers to engage in the criminal act.
• The defendant was not already predisposed to commit the crime.

Examples of Entrapment

• Undercover Drug Operations – If an undercover officer pressures or coerces someone into selling drugs when they had no prior intent to do so, this may be entrapment.
• Prostitution Stings – If police push an unwilling person into committing a prostitution-related offense, it could be considered entrapment.
• Fraud or Theft Setups – If officers create a crime scenario and actively persuade an individual to participate, it could be grounds for an entrapment defense.

If you were pressured or manipulated by law enforcement into committing a crime, you may have a valid entrapment defense that could result in a dismissal of charges.

Georgia follows Stand Your Ground principles, meaning that individuals do not have a duty to retreat before using force if they are in a place where they have a legal right to be.

What Stand Your Ground Means:

• A person does not have to run or escape before defending themselves.
• The law applies in public spaces, businesses, and homes.
• Deadly force is permitted if the individual reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or serious injury.

Where Stand Your Ground Applies:

• Inside a home or business (Castle Doctrine).
• On public streets, sidewalks, or parking lots.
• In a vehicle during a carjacking or road rage incident.

A Stand Your Ground defense can result in case dismissal if the defendant proves they acted lawfully.