Defiant Trespassing
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If you enter a building that you know you are not allowed to be in – defying signs or verbal warnings — you may be charged with being a defiant trespasser and face a criminal trespass offense.
Defiant trespass charges cover a broad spectrum of situations. The charges vary but can include jail time, fines and a criminal record. An experienced defense attorney may be able to lessen the punishment.
What You Need To Know About Defiant Trespass
In Pennsylvania, you can face defiant trespasser changes if, knowing you are not licensed or privileged to do so you enter or remain in any place where notice against trespassing has been given by:
- Being told to leave.
- Postings that are legal and would likely come to your attention.
- Fencing or other enclosures designed to exclude intruders.
- Postings at each entrance on a school ground that say unauthorized visitors are prohibited.
- Being told to leave a school or its grounds by a program official, employee or police officer.
Depending on the circumstances, the charges for criminal trespass can range from a misdemeanor to a summary offense.
What Your Lawyer Can Do
Your attorney will carefully review every aspect of your case to determine if there is evidence for all you have been accused of.
- Your lawyer will make every effort to discredit any evidence not in your favor.
- Much of what your lawyer can do to help you will depend on the exact circumstances of your case.
- You may have not noticed the postings or heard any warnings. If so, your lawyer will gather the evidence or witnesses to prove it.
- You might have believed you had permission to enter. If so, your lawyer will gather the evidence or witnesses to prove it.
Your lawyer will be looking at every avenue that can help you, so it’s important that you give them all of the information that can support your case.
How A Lawyer Will Help
When you are up against a defiant trespass charge, even before your first hearing you will be facing a determined prosecutor. You need an attorney who will stand by you every step of the way, work hard to discredit any evidence – and work with you to determine your best course of action.
Pennsylvania Defiant Trespass Law
Defiant trespass is described and defined under The Pennsylvania Criminal Code under Title 18, Chapter 35. Read the code here.
Questions? Contact us today.
Based on the evidence, Fienman Defense will try to show that the charges should be dismissed. If it’s in your best interest, we will work to negotiate a lesser sentence. Should the case go to trial, we will fight to present the strongest defense possible for your situation.