Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Minor used in sting operation

Is it legal to use a minor in any way by law enforcement in order to make a drug deal?

Ex. Law enforcement has an informant call a minor child to set up a drug deal, the minor (against his wishes) agrees. The minor is not buying or selling but is the ''go between'' without the knowledge of it being a sting operation. Can a minor be used in this manner? Now the minor (who repeatedly told the informant he didn't want to be involved in a drug deal (which had been recorded) gives into peer pressure and now has been arrested also.


Asked on 7/08/09, 9:25 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
David M. Wallin Law Offices OF David M. Wallin

Re: Minor used in sting operation

I know police have used minors in sting operations in the past. The fact that this minor did not want to be used is unusual and may be fodder for a good criminal defense attorney. As for him now being arrested and charged, he would and should contact an attorney and make an appointment to go the lawyer's office for a FREE consultation. David Wallin at wallinlaw.com.

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Answered on 7/08/09, 2:00 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Minor used in sting operation

From what you describe, the minor wasn't "used" in the sting operation. Instead, he was one of the people who got stung. The informant was the one the police were "using". That the sting netted two people rather than one is unimportant, as is the fact that one of those arrested was a minor.

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Answered on 7/09/09, 10:49 pm


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