Criminal trespassing involves being on someone elses property without permission and is considered a criminal offense. While state laws define criminal trespassing somewhat differently, the typical elements of the crime are:

• Intent: In order to commit criminal trespass, you must either go onto property knowing that you dont have permission to be there or remain on property after learning that you dont have the right to be there.

• Specific acts considered trespass: Many states have a general description of trespassing and also outline specific acts that count as the crime. For example, entering or remaining in a motor vehicle without the owners permission is a common form of criminal trespass.

In Missouri, a person commits the offense of trespass in the first degree if they knowingly enter unlawfully or knowingly remain unlawfully in a building or inhabitable structure or upon real property. Trespassing in the first degree is a class B misdemeanor unless the victim is intentionally targeted as a law enforcement officer or close relative of a law enforcement officer, in which case it is a class A misdemeanor. Trespassing in the second degree is a crime of absolute liability, meaning that a person can be guilty even if they were not aware they were on the property illegally.