What Is Criminal Trespassing?
Land and property are worth a large amount of money, so people and businesses take special care to protect their premises from unwanted visitors.
This includes something as simple as locks to a fancy camera security system.
If you cross onto someone else's property, they may be able to accuse you of trespassing.
There are two main types of trespassing, civil and criminal.
Civil trespassing is a minor crime that does involve the intent to destroy someone else's property.
However, you can still damage another person's property when you enter the property without permission.
Generally, you will be responsible for any damages as well as a nominal fine for civil trespassing.
Criminal trespassing, on the other hand, often goes hand-in-hand with the intent to do harm or occurs when someone remains on the property without permission.
Although statutes outlining the definition of criminal trespassing vary from state to state, many states consider trespassing to be criminal when you ignore devices that are obviously meant to keep someone out.
For instance, if you ignore the "Keep Out" signs and cut a chain or lock enclosing an area before entering, you can be charged with criminal trespassing.
Criminal trespassing is also often associated with other crimes because someone purposely enters the restricted property, typically in order to perpetrate other crimes.
Common crimes associated with criminal trespassing include:
If your trespassing was combined with another crime, you will have to face these associated consequences as well.
However, a criminal defense attorney can help you defend your trespassing case.
You can show that the property was actually open to your entrance, and you may be able to prove that you left the property immediately when asked.
This includes something as simple as locks to a fancy camera security system.
If you cross onto someone else's property, they may be able to accuse you of trespassing.
There are two main types of trespassing, civil and criminal.
Civil trespassing is a minor crime that does involve the intent to destroy someone else's property.
However, you can still damage another person's property when you enter the property without permission.
Generally, you will be responsible for any damages as well as a nominal fine for civil trespassing.
Criminal trespassing, on the other hand, often goes hand-in-hand with the intent to do harm or occurs when someone remains on the property without permission.
Although statutes outlining the definition of criminal trespassing vary from state to state, many states consider trespassing to be criminal when you ignore devices that are obviously meant to keep someone out.
For instance, if you ignore the "Keep Out" signs and cut a chain or lock enclosing an area before entering, you can be charged with criminal trespassing.
Criminal trespassing is also often associated with other crimes because someone purposely enters the restricted property, typically in order to perpetrate other crimes.
Common crimes associated with criminal trespassing include:
- Breaking and entering
- Burglary or robbery
- Arson
- Vandalism
- Assault and battery
- Murder
If your trespassing was combined with another crime, you will have to face these associated consequences as well.
However, a criminal defense attorney can help you defend your trespassing case.
You can show that the property was actually open to your entrance, and you may be able to prove that you left the property immediately when asked.
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