Criminal trespass is the unlawful act of entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission or legal right. It typically involves knowingly being on private land, buildings, vehicles, or other property after being denied access or after receiving notice to leave, such as a "No Trespassing" sign or a direct request from the property owner or law enforcement

Key Elements of Criminal Trespass:

• Entering or staying on property without consent or authorization.
• Knowing that entry is forbidden or that the person is required to leave but refusing to do so.
• Sometimes includes entering restricted areas within a property where permission is limited

Types of Criminal Trespass:

• Trespassing on land: Entering or remaining on private land without permission.
• Trespassing in buildings: Entering a building without authorization.
• Vehicle trespassing: Entering or tampering with someone’s vehicle without permission.
• Aggravated trespassing: Trespassing with intent to commit another crime, such as burglary

Legal Consequences:

Criminal trespass is usually classified as a misdemeanor but can vary in degree and severity depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances, such as the type of property (residential vs. commercial) and whether damage or other crimes are involved. Penalties may include fines, probation, and jail time ranging from a few months to over a year in some cases

. In summary, criminal trespass protects property rights by prohibiting unauthorized entry or remaining on someone else’s property, with legal penalties designed to enforce these boundaries and maintain public order