Los Angeles Trespass Lawyer

Trespass Crimes Defense in Los Angeles

Criminal trespass is defined in most states as unwanted intrusion onto someone else's property. In California, the criminal trespass law can be found in the California Penal Code, Section 602. Many individuals accused of trespass are upstanding citizens with either minor or no criminal records and are innocent or made a mistake and took the wrong path. If you have been charged with a trespass crime, please contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates at your earliest opportunity. We are an aggressive and thorough law firm and will stand by your side, fully examine the evidence against you and will safeguard your rights during this stressful time.

Trespass Attorney in Los Angeles

The crime of trespass takes many forms and together with the facts of your case, the actual type of trespass charge will determine the penalties you are facing. Trespass crimes are charged as misdemeanors and can never rise to the level of felonies in California, but in some instances a charge may be reduced to an infraction. In that event, it will not appear as a criminal conviction on your record. At our firm, our lawyers have over 70 years of combined experience in criminal defense and have represented clients in the many varied types of trespass crimes. Following is an outline of conduct that can result in a criminal trespass charge:

Entering/occupying someone's land, building or home without permission
Refusing to leave someone's property when told to leave
Cutting down or taking timber or wood from someone else's land
Digging up and/or taking away soil from city/county/state land without a license
Tearing down, damaging, mutilating, defacing or destroying signs or notices
Taking oysters or other shellfish from someone else's land
Taking or injuring farm animals
Opening, tearing down or damaging someone else's fence or purposely leaving the gate open
Entering a building or other structure without permission
Driving a car on private land
Refusing/failing to leave a public building after closing when asked by an employee, or guard
Skiing on a trail posted as closed
Not paying for and then refusing to leave a motel or hotel
Entering an airport area limited to "authorized personnel"
Refusing to submit to airport screening
Refusing to leave a women's shelter after being asked to leave
Entering or remaining in a neonatal unit, maternity ward or birthing center located in a hospital or clinic without lawful business there
Purposely avoiding screening at courthouse or city/county/state building with controlled access

Anyone cited or arrested for trespass in California faces a misdemeanor charge and if convicted can receive up to 180 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, probation, community service, Caltrans, stay-away orders and/or restitution. Although criminal trespassing may seem minor, it is not. Even if no jail time is ordered in your case, the conviction will remain on your permanent record for life and can negatively affect your future in many ways. So, there is a lot riding on the defense of a trespass charge. We have defended countless people in Los Angeles on trespass charges and are well-acquainted with the prosecution and their way of operating. By negotiating with them, we will attempt to get your trespass charge dismissed or get it reduced to an infraction. If that is not possible, we will work to keep you out of jail by requesting alternative sentencing. If you case must go to trial, we will not hesitate to aggressively fight for a "Not Guilty" verdict.

Please contact a Los Angeles trespass lawyer today to schedule your free consultation and receive a full legal representation and strong protection of your rights.