Trespassing Charges & Penalties

Under Florida law, trespassing is defined as unlawfully entering onto the property of another without their permission. Typically trespassing is a relatively minor charge that is considered to be a misdemeanor. If the trespasser is carrying a weapon however, particularly a firearm, the charge may be elevated to a felony depending on the situation. Any instance in which an individual enters private property, including land, a vehicle, or a building, without the owner’s permission, trespassing has occurred.

Sometimes trespassing occurs accidentally when an individual enters a property and does not realize it, because there is no sign posted and no demarcating line indicating where the property boundary is. Some property owners will call the police even if you are accidentally trespassing and you may suddenly find yourself being arrested for a crime you didn’t even know you committed. If this happens to you, your best option is to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. A criminal defense attorney can defend your rights and fight against wrongful charges.

Whether you intended to trespass or not, once you are arrested you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. The sentence for a trespassing conviction varies depending on the severity of the case, but typically results in a maximum $1000 fine and/or up to a one year jail sentence. Possibly the most severe penalty is having a criminal record, which can hurt your future opportunities for jobs, college admissions, scholarships, and loans. Since criminal records are public knowledge, even one minor arrest for trespassing could have a major impact on your personal and professional life even years later.

Contact Us

For sound legal advice and assistance with your trespassing charges and defense, please contact the experienced Boca Raton criminal lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. at 561-353-2800.