Are you facing trespassing charges in Florida? If so, you could be facing penalties that can alter the course of your life. It is in your interests to protect yourself with a strong defense, but where should you start? The foundation of any strong defense is a complete and thorough evaluation of the case against you.
One of the most important steps you can take when facing these charges is to seek immediate defense help. These are serious criminal accusations, and your future is worth protecting to the best of your ability. By seeking help as soon as possible after an arrest or the start of an investigation, you can better understand what you are up against and how you can fight for your freedom and reputation.
Florida trespassing laws
Essentially, trespassing is a criminal offense that involves going on or into someone’s property without his or her permission. This may not seem like a big deal, but Florida laws take property rights and privacy seriously. You are facing penalties that may include time behind bars, a permanent mark on your criminal record and much more. Common violations of the state’s trespass laws include the following:
- Occupying the property of someone else without consent
- Entering private property with the intent of interfering with a business
- Refusal to leave a public building or place during hours when it is closed
- Refusal to leave private property after the owner asks you to do so
It can be difficult to prosecute trespass crimes because the law requires that there be proof of intent. This is intent that you willfully entered the property without permission or that you refused to leave after the owner or manager of the property asked you to. Sometimes, trespass charges are the result of a miscommunication or an argument between a property owner and an invited or expected guest.
Don’t fight back alone
Criminal charges, no matter the kind, are a threat to your future. Trespass charges are actually quite serious, and they merit a strong defense of your interests and personal rights. With the right help, you can effectively confront the case brought against you by the prosecution.
If you are unsure of what you are up against or you believe you could be facing charges at some point in the future, you may want to start with an evaluation of your case. An experienced defense attorney can explain the specific options available to you.