Individuals can be accused of criminal trespass in the first degree if they knowingly:
- Enter/remain unlawfully in or on a residential structure;
- Enter/remain unlawfully in a fenced residential yard;
- Enter a residential yard and look into a residential structure with reckless disregard of infringing on the inhabitant or owner’s right to privacy (also known as “peeping”);
- Unlawfully enter any real property that is subject to a valid mineral claim or lease with the intent to hold, work, take or explore the property for minerals on the claim or lease;
- Enter/remain unlawfully on another person’s property and burn, deface, mutilate or desecrate a religious symbol or other form of religious property without first obtaining consent from the owner; or
- Enter/remain unlawfully in or on a critical public service facility.
First degree criminal trespass can be charged as a class 6 felony or a class 1 misdemeanor depending on the circumstances involved in the case. If you have questions or concerns about the possible consequences if convicted of first degree criminal trespass, contact Jeremy Geigle, JacksonWhite’s criminal defense attorney. Jeremy can assess your case during a free and confidential consultation and provide you with possible defenses to the charges you face. Call Jeremy on his direct line at 480-818-9943 anytime, 24/7.