Being charged with a criminal trespassing charge means that someone unlawfully entered the property of another person without their permission. This can also include entering property that is marked with a “no trespassing” sign. Trespassing may seem like a crime that isn’t a big deal, but it is something that you need to talk to an attorney about as soon as possible. 

If you have been charged with a drug possession charge, it is important that you consult with a criminal defense attorney. When working with our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney who has defended thousands of cases over a 20+ year period in Phoenix. Having an attorney that knows how to effectively break down the specifics of a criminal trespassing case will provide you with a chance that you might not otherwise have in getting your charge dismissed or reduced. We offer free consultations to help you determine what your next steps need to be.

Being convicted for criminal trespassing in the state of Arizona can come with significant and harsh penalties. If you were found guilty of first degree criminal trespassing, then you could be facing up to 24 months in prison and a $150,000 fine. Generally, this is considered the harshest punishment you could receive for a trespassing charge and the penalty you face will depend heavily on the specific degree of the charge. To really understand the specific charge you have and the potential consequences of the charge, you will need to consult with a criminal defense attorney. Many criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations and you should take advantage of that free consultation so that you can understand where you are in the process and what you can expect going forward.

There are 3 different classifications in the state of Arizona for criminal trespassing charges. According to the Arizona statute, criminal trespassing breaks down into a first degree, second degree and third degree charge. The different degrees break down as such:

• 1st Degree Criminal Trespassing: Knowingly entering or staying in a residential structure unlawfully, entering or staying in a fenced residential yard, entering residential yard for sake of looking into residential structure, deciding to enter a property with known mineral claim and planning to work the land and take minerals for personal use, entering personal property and inflicting criminal damage such as burning, defacing, and other illegal acts, knowingly entering a public services facility illegally.

• 2nd Degree Criminal Trespassing: Being charged with 2nd degree criminal trespassing means that you are being charged with entering or remaining on a non residential property or within a commercial fenced yard illegally.

‍3rd Degree Criminal Trespassing: Being charged with 3rd degree criminal trespassing means that you are being charged with staying on someone’s property after the owner or another person in authority requested him or her to leave or entering or staying on railroad property such as tracks, storage, switching yards, and rolling stock.