Trespassing is a common criminal charge. If you are facing charges of trespassing, you may be able to defend against the charges. With the right legal defense and a sound case establishment, you may be able to avoid conviction.
There are a few key defenses you can use against trespassing charges.
Did you have an invitation to the property?
If someone who lived on the property invited you there but another resident had you charged with trespassing, you can get the charges dismissed if the party that invited you is willing to testify that they invited you.
Did the property owner know you were there?
If the property owner knew that you were on the property and never told you to leave, that can be tacit approval of your presence. This may be true even if the property is posted.
Were you getting your own belongings back?
Did you set foot on the property to get back something that belongs to you? If you were on the property recovering your own belongings, that is often a legitimate reason for your presence. Whether it was an errant ball that went too far or something of yours that was inadvertently left there, you can avoid a conviction with an explanation like this.
Were you being a good samaritan?
If you crossed onto the property to be a good samaritan, such as to help someone who suffered an injury, you may be able to claim a Good Samaritan defense.
A trespassing conviction can lead to fines and jail time. Protect yourself with a solid defense.