The Power of Property Ownership
One of the great things about owning property is the ability to use the property in any legal manner a person sees fit. Property ownership includes the right to exclude others from using the property as well as prohibiting others from interfering in the use or enjoyment of property. This is why there are so many yards with big “No Trespassing” signs on the fences and doors. People take pride in their property and don’t want others to come onto it or use it without permission. Utah law recognizes property rights in both the civil and criminal law areas. Some people civilly sue others for a trespass on property. Others call the police so they can charge violators with a property crime, such as criminal trespass, requiring the services of a Utah criminal defense lawyer.
Criminal Trespass in Utah
Criminal trespass occurs when a person enters or remains unlawfully on property intending to cause annoyance, injury to people or property, a crime other than theft or a felony, or is reckless as to his presence causing fear fear for the safety of another. Criminal trespass also occurs when a person knows his entry or presence is unlawful but the person continues to stay after receiving notice of his unlawful entry or presence. This notice of unlawful entry or presence can include a person telling the violator to leave or keep out, a structure such as a fence that is obviously designed to exclude intruders, or a posting of a sign reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders.
Many people who are charged with criminal trespass who need the services of a Utah criminal defense lawyer usually receive this charge because they went to a public park after hours or went exploring in an intriguing abandoned building. Criminal trespass often occurs with harmless intentions but the consequences are not; this criminal charge ranges from a simple infraction to a class A misdemeanor depending on the situation.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Will Fight For You
If you have been charged with any crime, including criminal trespass, don’t fight the charge by yourself. Hire a Utah criminal defense lawyer from Salcido Law Firm today. We know the defenses you can claim for trespassing and will fight hard to defend you. Call 801.618.1334 for a free consultation with a Utah criminal defense lawyer today.
