Police Sting Operations in California Sex Crime Cases

What Is a Sting Operation?

A sting operation involves law enforcement officers posing as potential victims — often online — to catch people attempting to commit a crime. In sex crime cases, this may include:

• Undercover officers posing as minors
• Online chatroom setups or dating apps
• Prostitution or human trafficking stings
• Undercover agents filming illegal encounters or meetings

Common Sex Crimes Targeted in Stings

• Solicitation of a minor
• Attempted lewd acts with a minor
• Prostitution or solicitation
• Possession or distribution of child pornography

Legal Concerns: Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they otherwise wouldn’t have committed. It’s a legal defense available if:

• You were pressured, persuaded, or tricked by police into acting illegally
• The idea to commit the crime came from law enforcement, not you
• You had no previous intent to engage in illegal activity

How a Defense Lawyer Can Help

A skilled California sex crimes attorney can:

• Analyze the sting operation for legal misconduct
• File motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence
• Argue entrapment and lack of intent
• Challenge police procedures and undercover communications

Cases We Handle Statewide

We defend clients charged through sting operations across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Riverside, Orange County, Fresno, and all of California. Every case is unique, and we fight aggressively for your rights and reputation.

Conclusion

Just because you were arrested in a sting doesn’t mean you’re guilty. There may be strong defenses based on how the operation was conducted. Contact a knowledgeable sex crime sting defense lawyer in California today for a confidential case review.