When is Trespassing a Crime?

 Posted on May 15, 2017 in Criminal Defense

Asa youth , sneakinginto a movie theater or a pool after hours may seem like good fun; however, making a choice such as this can turn into a criminal trespassing arrest or conviction.

Illinois law sets out what kind of activity is considered criminally liable trespassing. Those elements include but are not limited to the following:

• A person knowingly, without lawful authority, enters or remains within or on a building;
• A person enters land owned by another, and the owner gave notice that entry was forbidden;
• A person remains upon the land of another after receiving notice that entry was forbidden;
• A person falsely gains access to premises for which general public entry is forbidden; and
• A person intentionally removes notice that entry is forbidden.

What Are the Penalties for Criminal Trespassing?

This is a question for your Rolling Meadows, Cook Countycriminal trespassing defense attorney. The penalties will vary depending on the circumstances of each crime. Generally, criminal trespassing in Illinois is a misdemeanor. Therefore,a conviction will likely encompass a fine; however, it can also land you in jail for up to a year. There are different categories of criminal trespassing, andinclude:

• Criminal trespass to vehicles;
• Criminal trespass to real property;
• Criminal trespass to state supported land;
• Criminal trespass to restricted areas;
• Criminal trespass to a nuclear facility; and
• Criminal trespass to a place of public amusement.

Each variation of trespassing can give you a varying penalty, or be used in conjunction with another crime which can also affect the sentence handed down. It is important that you speak with a knowledgeable Rolling Meadows criminal defense attorney about the potential repercussions you may face as well as map out a strategy for your defense.

What Defenses Are Available?

The type of trespassing you are charged with will drive the defenses that you have available to you. For example, a common defense to the trespass of land is arguing that there was not sufficient notice to forbid entrance. It may also be argued that the land you were trespassing on was open to the public and therefore you did not break the law by being present on it. Ignorance of the law or mistake of fact are typically not defenses to trespass.

Been Arrested for Trespassing?

If you or a loved one has been charged with a trespassing crime, then it is crucial that you get the dedicated and insightful representation you deserve. Attorney Christopher M. Cosley has nearly two decades of standing up for his clients rights and providing criminal defense every step of the way for his clients. Contact our skilled Rolling Meadows criminal defense lawyerat 847-253-3100, 24 hours a day, to schedule your consultation. Do not face these charges alone.

Source:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K21-3