Columbia Trespassing Lawyer

Maybe you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It could have been just an accident or a misunderstanding. Property crimes are some of the most common offense that people in Columbia receive charges for. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what you were doing or who you were with. If you’ve been charged with trespassing, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side.

Many times, people who have been charged with a crime feel lost and hopeless. With the help of a Columbia trespassing lawyer, you can rest easy knowing you have an expert in your corner. From reviewing evidence to building your case and everything in between, you can rely on your trespassing lawyer to handle it.

Types of Trespassing Under State Law

The state recognizes two forms of trespassing in law: first-degree and second-degree.

The law very clearly outlines that a person will be charged with first-degree trespassing if they knowingly enter and remain in a private building when they do not have express permission to be there. This could be another person’s home, a business, and even a yard or fenced-in area of land.

The law goes into further details about private outdoor property. It is only considered trespassing in someone’s yard or land if the area is enclosed by fencing, or if they put up the proper signage to indicated that the property is private, and you are not allowed there. A “No Trespassing” or “Do Not Enter” sign is considered clear enough that you’d be charged with a crime for entering. Any kind of verbal communication is considered fair warning as well.

A second-degree trespassing charge, in reality, is not too different from a first-degree trespassing charge. The only tangible difference is that you can be charged with trespassing in the second degree if you enter another person’s outdoor property. Typically, you are given this charge if you were unknowingly on another person’s property.

Charges and Punishments for Trespassing

Like with any crime, the parties charging you will use the details and circumstances of the incident to determine your charges. A first-degree trespassing charge, however, is typically a Class B Misdemeanor. Although misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, a charge like that can easily get you up to six months of jail time. A second-degree trespassing charge is typically a smaller offense with punishment often resulting in payment of a fine. Often times, these charges come in tandem with more serious charges, such as theft. That is why hiring on a lawyer as soon as possible is so crucial to your case. Your lawyer can help you navigate all of your charges and strive for the best outcome possible.

Call Chris Miller If You’re Facing Trespassing Charges

Many people in Columbia are charged with all kind of crimes every day, trespassing being just one of them. If you’ve recently been charged with a crime, it might feel hopeless, but it doesn’t have to be. At the Law Office of Chris Miller, we’ve helped people with misdemeanors and felonies alike. We can handle your case with the expertise you need and the compassion you deserve. If you need representation, give our office a call. We offer everyone a free, confidential consult.