If you have knowingly entered onto another person’s property without consent or authorization, or if you have entered onto another person’s property and intentionally defaced, destroyed, or demolished any part of the property, you will be charged with criminal trespassing. In California, criminal trespass is misdemeanor offense that will result in a number of penalties, including fines, restitution to the victim, community service, and possible time in jail. These penalties may be enhanced if you caused significant damage to the property, or if you have committed additional crimes on the property.

A trespass offense can be charged for conduct such as:

• Refusing to leave a public building (including hotels and motels) or private land.
• Tearing down or damaging a sign on public or private property.
• Not paying for and then refusing to leave a motel or hotel.
• Destroying a fence, stakes or signs intended to show the boundaries of property.
• Building a fire on someone else’s land without permission.
• Driving a vehicle on private property without permission.
• Digging up or flooding a public roadway.
• Taking soil off a third party’s land.
• Refusing to submit to screening at an airport.
• Cutting down and removing someone else's timber.
• Entering the property of another person to injure the property.
• Skiing in a closed area.

Trespass Legal Penalties

California trespassing laws are unique in that they can be filed as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Although all three are possible, criminal trespass is most frequently prosecuted as a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor trespass conviction can result in the following legal penalties:

• 180 days in the county jail
• A maximum $1,000 fine
• Probation
• Stay-away Order
• Restitution
• Cal-Trans
• Community Service

In addition, felony trespass conviction will result in more severe penalties. For these reasons, although criminal trespassing may not seem serious, it is. A criminal trespassing conviction will result in a permanent criminal record, even where a prison sentence is avoided.

Los Angeles Trespass Defense Attorneys

If you are facing charges for criminal trespassing, you need to consult with an attorney right away. Los Angeles criminal trespassing attorneys from The Chahine Law Firm have the experience and skill to protect your rights throughout the legal process and help you fight your charges. We will prepare a strong defense case before heading to court by thoroughly investigating the scene of the crime, interviewing credible witnesses, and collecting convincing evidence. Our main priority is providing you with the aggressive defense and personal attention you need to overcome your charges. Contact us today for a free consultation.