Charged With Criminal Trespassing? Our Lawyers Can Help Protect Your Rights!

So, you are out on a hiking trip with your friends, and you get lost! Now, you start searching for your group, and come across a property that seems abandoned. You enter the property with the intention of finding some help. However, you get caught off guard by the owner, who calls up the police and charges you with criminal trespassing!

Situations like this aren’t very common, and also, aren’t simple either! A criminal trespassing charge is considered to be the most severe form of trespassing, and can invite unnecessary hassles that you may not be ready for. It results in a second or third-degree felony, and can result in a 10-year imprisonment, along with a $25,000 fine!

In this blog, you will learn how to tackle such situations, and you will also learn how experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyers can help you out.

An Overview of the Types of Trespassing

In Pennsylvania, trespassing has many different categories, and the charges entirely depend on the severity of the crime. That’s exactly why you need to know which type of trespassing you are charged with. The penalties can vary greatly depending on the type of offense that you commit.

For instance, the most severe form is trespassing into a building or occupied structure. This is considered to be a felony of the second or third degree. A third-degree felony is charged if you enter or choose to stay in a building even after knowing that you aren’t allowed to be there.

A second-degree felony is charged if you break into a building. ‘Breaking into’ means using force to enter a property. It includes things like breaking a lock or climbing through a window.

Then comes defiant trespass, which occurs when you enter a property after receiving clear notice against trespassing. This can be a ‘No Trespassing’ sign, a fence, or a direct verbal order to leave. Defiant trespass is usually considered a misdemeanor. However, it can become a first-degree misdemeanor if you refuse to leave the grounds after you’ve been told to do so. The penalties can include significant fines and jail time, and therefore, it’s vital to have a skilled Pittsburgh criminal lawyer on your side.

Finally, comes a simple trespass, which is considered to be a summary offense. This is for entering or remaining on property with the intent to threaten or damage it. The consequences for this are less severe.

Logue Law Group: Expert Lawyers at Your Help

A criminal trespass can bring several adverse consequences to your future. For instance, it could put you on the criminal records list, which could affect job opportunities, housing applications, and even your reputation.

At the Logue Law Group, we understand the stakes. That’s why our legal team works day and night to protect your rights.

So, if you’ve been charged with criminal trespassing, here are some ways our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers can help-

• Our experts will conduct a thorough investigation. We will examine the basic facts of your case, like- Did you know you were trespassing? Was the property properly marked? Were you given a clear order to leave? etc. If the property you entered did not have any ‘No Trespassing’ signs, our lawyers can use it to build a valid defense.
• Our experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyers can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf. We can show that your action was a simple mistake, and not an intentional crime. This often leads to reduced charges or even a full dismissal of the case. Our goal is to avoid a criminal record for you.
• We can challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses. We will work to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

Remember, as a student, your future is too important to risk. Therefore, let a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer from Logue Law Group help you fight your case and bring you justice. Call us up at 844.PITT.DUI for a free consultation.