California’s laws concerning criminal trespassing fall under Penal Code 602. The act is defined as entering or remaining on someone else’s property without having permission or the right to be there.

Usually, this charge is filed as a misdemeanor and can mean penalties of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.00. Some types of criminal trespass under the law are filed as infractions, and these penalties involve only a fine.

A third and more serious type of charge involves what is called aggravated trespassing, wherein the perpetrator threatens to physically injure another person and then enters their home or workplace without permission. The penalties for this charge are much greater than the others.

Some legal defenses that are commonly used to fight certain types of trespassing charges include having the right to be on the property, having consent to be on the property, and that the property was not properly fenced or marked.

If you have been charged with trespassing, contact the law office of H. Charles Gorian today. We have years of experience dealing with these charges and we know the California laws that affect your situation. Our law firm has helped men and women throughout Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County, and we may be able to help you.

One phone call could be the difference between harsh criminal penalties and freedom. Call our lawyer today for a free, no-risk, no-obligation case evaluation.