In Arizona, criminal trespassing is classified as first, second, or third degree, with first being the most extreme. Still, no matter what the degree, a trespassing charge is serious and can come with harsh penalties. With the help of the Mesa defense lawyers at JacksonWhite, a trespassing charge doesn’t have to derail your life.
If you have been charged with criminal trespassing in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, our criminal trespassing lawyers can help you build the strongest possible defense against your charges. Contact our team today to learn more about how we can support you in avoiding the harshest penalties.
Penalties for Criminal Trespassing in Arizona
Criminal trespassing is charged when an individual intentionally or knowingly remains on someone else’s property without the owner’s permission. Criminal trespassing charges in Arizona are covered under ARS 13-1502, ARS 13-1503, and ARS 13-1504.
Committing an instance of criminal trespassing can come with harsh penalties, depending on the nature of the charge. Criminal trespassing charges can be committed in the first-, second-, or third-degree, with a first-degree charge being the most severe and a third-degree charge being the least.
Penalties for criminal trespassing in Arizona include:
- Criminal trespassing in the first degree can be a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony, depending on the circumstances
- Criminal trespassing in the second degree is a class 2 misdemeanor
- Criminal trespassing in the third degree is a class 3 misdemeanor
A third-degree trespassing charge can result in a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail, a second-degree charge can result in a fine of up to $750 and up to four months in jail, and a first-degree charge can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and up to six months in jail. If you are charged with a felony, these penalties can rise to up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $150,000
With such high penalties, those facing a charge should seek a skilled criminal trespassing attorney who can craft a defense for potentially reduced charges. Schedule a consultation with our team at JacksonWhite Law to learn more about the options in front of you.
Arizona “No Trespassing” Sign Requirements
Benefits of Hiring a Phoenix Trespassing Attorney
- Extensive legal experience in Arizona trespassing laws
- Strategic defense planning tailored to your unique case
- Protection of your rights and interests in court
- Experience negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties
- Assistance with expungement or record sealing
How We Handle Criminal Trespassing Cases
At JacksonWhite Law, we take a compassionate and strategic approach to all criminal trespassing cases so that we can understand your situation and determine the best path forward. We begin every case with a free case evaluation and consultation to understand the unique details of your situation and analyze your options.
Then, we take the following steps to maximize your chances of success in your case:
- Thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your case, reviewing any witness accounts or surveillance footage
- Negotiating with the prosecution to obtain a settlement for reduced or dropped charges
- Building a defense strategy based on the facts and the possible legal routes available
- Advocating aggressively for you in court while maintaining professionalism and integrity
Our attorneys work diligently to understand your case and understand the best possible options. Contact us today to learn how we can use our decades of experience to help you maximize the best possible outcome from your case.
Potential Defense Strategies
- The defendant had consent from the property owner
- Lack of intent to trespass
- Legal right to be on the property
- The property was public at the time of the charge
- Police entrapment
- Mistake of fact
- Owner’s consent given after entry
- Necessity or emergency situation
What Outcomes Can You Expect?
- Plea deal – We may be able to negotiate for reduced charges in exchange for a lesser consequence than a fine or jail-time no-contact order.
- Dismissed charges – With a strong defense against the claims that you were intentionally trespassing on someone’s property, we may be able to get charges completely dismissed in some cases.
- Alternative sentencing – We may be able to help you avoid a fine or jail time through lesser, alternative sentencing options, like community service or a diversion program.
Get Help with Your Trespassing Charges in Arizona
If you have been arrested for first, second, or third-degree criminal trespassing, contact the experienced defense team at JacksonWhite Law. Our team has decades of combined experience, and we have helped thousands of Arizonans reduce their charges.
We offer a free initial consultation to understand the facts around your case and connect you with legal representation as soon as possible. Our attorneys take a compassionate approach to ensure you have the tools and support necessary to navigate a complex legal system and develop a strong defense against harsh penalties.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.
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Our team is ready to fight to get you the compensation you deserve. You can trust our 20 years of experience practicing personal injury law in Arizona.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
