The blurry line between entrapment and law enforcement

It goes without saying that law enforcement, both local Minneapolis and St. Paul police forces and the FBI, are tasked with keeping us safe. Since 9/11, the FBI has been actively involved in searching for and stopping homegrown terrorists, so much so that anti-terrorism initiatives now compose the majority of the FBI’s budget. Although it is important that the federal government takes its responsibilities so seriously, the tactics the FBI uses could be seen as entrapment.

Some critics of FBI tactics point to the fact that the individuals arrested and charged with these serious federal crimes are the types of people who are utterly unable to do anything on their own. Yes, they may have been in contact with paid FBI informants and expressed a desire to cause harm to individuals in the United States, but all of the supplies and nearly all of the plans have been provided by the informants or the FBI itself. In this case, who is really responsible for an attempted terroristic act?

Stepping in to thwart the plot before there is any chance of it succeeding. In many cases, the government provides the would-be terrorists with disabled weapons or fake bombs, yet these individuals are arrested and charged with the crimes they may have committed had all of the weapons been real.

Fighting for American safety is important, certainly, but it is also important that individuals who are incapable of causing harm not be treated as if they are the next terrorist threat.

Source: Business Insider, “The FBI Goes to Disturbing Lengths to Set Up Potential Terrorists,” Paul Szoldra, March 11, 2013

If you would like more information about this story, please see the source above, but if you would like to learn more about the serious nature of federal crimes in Minneapolis and St. Paul, please visit our website.

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Understanding Solicitation and Enticement Laws in Minnesota

Recently, a sex sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota, led to the arrest of at least 14 men, including former Minnesota Senator Justin Eichorn. The operation involved undercover officers posing as minors online, engaging with individuals who sought to solicit sexual conduct. 

Accused of Criminal Sexual Conduct at a Minnesota College? What You Need to Know

You will go through a disciplinary hearing if you have been accused of criminal sexual conduct at a Minnesota college. The college disciplinary board will conduct the hearing under Title IX law. This federal law requires learning institutions to investigate and resolve student sexual misconduct separately from concurrent or related criminal proceedings. The college administration will punish you appropriately if the hearing determines that you contravened the sexual consent policies under the college’s Code of Conduct. The punishment can range from suspension and college-imposed probationary period to expulsion and compulsory sexual education classes.

Busted at a Music Festival? What Happens If You’re Caught With Club Drugs in Minnesota

One question you may ask when planning to attend an upcoming music festival is: What happens if I’m caught with club drugs in Minnesota? The legal consequences of getting busted with drugs at a music festival include an arrest, criminal charges, a fine, and imprisonment. Beyond the legal consequences, a drug crime charge or conviction can lower your chances of securing employment, housing, and student loans. It may also strain your relationships with family, friends, and society.