In Florida, it is a crime to enter or remain on someone else’s property when you don’t have permission to be there. Sometimes, this act can be intentional — other times it may be inadvertent or accidental. To defend your innocence, contact a Palm Beach Gardens criminal defense attorney.
In either case, the consequences can be severe. If you or a loved one is facing trespassing charges, now is not the time to take chances with your freedom and your future. With 25 years of criminal law experience, The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic is the law firm people turn to when they need an aggressive, personalized defense.
Types Of Trespassing — Levels Of Punishment
There are several types of trespassing in Florida. In general, trespassing offenses fall into one of four main categories:
- Trespass on property
- Trespass on school grounds
- Trespass in a structure
- Trespass in a conveyance
And each type of trespassing can be committed in one of two ways: by intentionally entering or remaining on property without the legal right to do so; or by remaining on, or returning to, property after being asked to leave.
Depending on the circumstances, a person can be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for trespassing. A standard trespassing charge is a second-degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. If there is a person in the structure at the time of the trespass, the offense is chargeable as a first-degree misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in jail and $1,000 fine. And if the alleged trespasser has a firearm or other dangerous weapon on them at the time of the trespass, the offense becomes a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Palm Beach Gardens Criminal Trespass Attorney
At The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, my goal is to protect your rights and your freedom. I am known for obtaining a high percentage of acquittals and dismissals for my clients — and I’m prepared to do the same for you.
Depending on the facts of your case, I will prepare a defense that is tailored to your situation, positions us for the greatest chance of success and takes advantage of flaws in the prosecution’s case. Some of the defenses we may be able to apply to your case include:
- Consent by the property owner
- The property was open to the public
- An absence of warning signs on the property
- Receipt of a later invitation to the property
- Lack of intent to enter the property unlawfully
For a free consultation about your trespassing case, contact a lawyer who has the knowledge, skill and fortitude to provide the best defense possible. Call The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic at (561) 656-2024 or send your inquiry online.