If you have been charged with trespass on property then you may have a defense. Consent and “open to the public” are both defenses that can be presented when fighting a trespass on property case. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about how to beat your trespass on property case in Florida, contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, trespass on property is defined in chapter 810 of Florida Statutes. A person commits a trespass on property when they either:
- Willfully enter or remain on some form of real property without authorization, license, or invitation; or
- Return to or ignore a prior warning to stay off of real property.
In Florida, trespass on property is a first-degree misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to one year in jail, or up to one year of probation and a fine of up to $1,000 (you can also get a jail sentence followed by probation, but the total length of the punishment cannot exceed one year). In addition to facing jail time, if you are adjudicated guilty of trespass, then you will have to deal with a number of collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. Even misdemeanor convictions can have negative consequences for you. If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for you and keep you from getting caught in the system, or if someone you know has been charged with trespass on property in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.