Trespass Attorney
Trespassing
Florida law defines criminal trespassing as entering or remaining in or on a property without authorization. Trespass charges are misdemeanors and are very common. Fortunately, they are one of the easiest types of cases to get dismissed.
Many think trespassing is as simple as entering despite a “Do Not Enter” sign. However, trespassing entails scenarios beyond just that. For example, let’s say you legally enter a bar, but the owner later asks you to leave. If you refuse to leave, you are trespassing and can be arrested.
In Florida, the penalties for trespassing are not that severe, but you don’t want to have to deal with them. A trespass charge on your record does not look good on a background search.
What Is Considered Trespassing in Florida?
In Florida, trespassing is a criminal violation and a misdemeanor offense. Florida Statute 810.08 defines trespassing as entering or remaining in a structure or conveyance without authorization, invitation, or a license. In addition, staying on the property without the expressed or implied permission of the owner is also trespassing.
A structure is any building or architecture that has a roof. A conveyance is any transportation body, like cars, boats, trailers, and airplanes. If a property does not have a roof but private property, it is still subject to criminal trespass. Examples of open structures subject to criminal trespassing include:
- Construction sites
- Commercial properties for horticulture
- Agricultural sites for testing and research purposes
- Designated agricultural chemicals manufacturing facility
- Any designated operational area of an airport
Florida statute 810.09 defines trespassing as entering or remaining on any property other than a structure or conveyance without authorization, invitation, or a license. If you are given notice against entering or remaining, by actual expression or visible signage, that is trespassing.
What Are the Penalties for Trespassing in Florida?
Penalties for trespassing in Florida vary depending on the circumstances regarding the incident. Generally speaking, trespassing offenses alone are charges as second-degree misdemeanors. That is, if you trespassed with no other criminal intent, like theft, while entering property without permission.
Let’s say a group of teenagers sneak onto a lot at night to drink alcohol. Since the owner didn’t invite them, they could be arrested and charged with criminal trespassing as a second-degree misdemeanor.
However, if the structure is occupied when the trespass incident occurs, the crime could be considered a first-degree misdemeanor. An example would be if you walked into a store and were asked to leave but refused. In that case, the police would arrest you and charge you with a first-degree misdemeanor for criminal trespassing.
If you commit trespass with a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or if you arm yourself while inside the structure, you could face a third-degree felony charge.
These are the penalties, according to Florida Statutes 775.082, 775.083, and 775.084:
Second-Degree Misdemeanor
- Fines up to $500
- Up to 60 days in jail.
- Up to 6 months of probation.
First-Degree Misdemeanor
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to 1 year in jail.
- Up to 1 year of probation.
Third-Degree Felony
- Fines up to $5,000
- Up to 5 years in jail.
- Up to 5 years of probation.
If the prosecution can prove that you committed other crimes or had the intent to commit other crimes while trespassing, your charges could be upgraded to more serious crimes like:
- Breaking and entering
- Burglary
- Assault
- Battery
- Robbery
What Do Prosecutors Need to Prove to Establish Guilt?
Trespass cases can involve other complicated legal issues or elements. However, to prove that you committed a crime, the prosecution must establish beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You willfully entered or remained in a structure or intentionally refused to leave despite a warning from the owner.
- Whoever is alleging the trespass is the lawful owner of the property.
- And you did not have permission to enter the structure or conveyance from the rightful owner.
Since trespassing is a general intent crime, the only evidence prosecutors only need to prove guilt is that you were on or inside the property without authorization. They need to prove intent to trespass but don’t necessarily need evidence of any intent beyond trespass to convict you.
The prosecution can use physical evidence like surveillance footage or witness testimony to support their case against you.
Under Florida law, if a property owner catches a trespasser, they are legally allowed to seize the trespasser until police arrive. Typically, this alone is evidence of trespass.
Is Trespassing a Violent Crime in Florida?
Trespassing is not considered a violent crime. If a person guilty of trespass also committed violence, the prosecution usually renounces trespass charges for more serious ones. Those are typically criminal charges like assault, battery, burglary, or robbery. However, you can get charged with trespass in addition to other charges.
What Is a Trespass Warning in Florida?
Any signage clearly defining private property lines and the penalties for crossing those lines is a trespass warning. However, if there is no clear signage for unenclosed land or personal property, it may not be subject to criminal trespass.
How Can a Florida Trespass Attorney Defend Me?
A trespass attorney can help you devise a strategic defense plan. For example, we could prove that you did not intend to trespass. Almost all trespassing charges involve drugs or alcohol, so it is easy to blame someone’s actions on it.
It’s also possible to argue that no clear communication from any authorized individual told you to leave the premises after you were invited or permitted to enter. We see that a lot when there is only a verbal trespass warning and no paperwork to support it.
Sometimes we see cases where the person making allegations of trespass does not have the right to deny you permission onto the property. Or, if there was no visible or correctly posted warning of trespass, we could argue that you did not know you were trespassing and therefore had no intent to commit a crime.
Contact Florida Trespass Attorney Today
Our firm has defended clients facing trespassing charges in Florida for over 60 years. We have had countless trespass charges dismissed or the penalties minimized. We have qualified and skilled lawyers who can help you determine the right defense strategies to deploy for your case.
Our goal in every case is to protect your record and have you avoid jail.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation or call (727) 381-2300.
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