Trespassing
Fighting for Clients In Deland, Daytona Beach and Throughout Central Florida
If you have ever gone for a hike or a walk and passed a gate on someone’s property, you have probably seen a big yellow sign that says “NO TRESPASSING.” While these daunting signs tell us to stay out, what actually constitutes trespassing?
Trespassing, as defined by Florida statute, is when someone who is not authorized or invited, enters or remains in a structure or conveyance. Even if you have been invited into someone’s home or onto their property, the owner or legal occupant of that dwelling can actually revoke their invitation. Suppose you are with a friend at their house, after they asked you to come over. Something comes up and they ask you to leave. If you refuse to leave, and stay on the premises after being asked to remove yourself, you can be arrested for trespassing.
If you are arrested for trespassing, what should you be aware of? First, you need to be aware of the level of crime that you are being accused of. Like most crimes, there are levels of severity to trespassing.
Have you been charged with a crime in Central Florida? With offices conveniently located in DeLand and Daytona Beach, our team can defend you against your criminal charges.
Trespassing in a Structure of Conveyance – No Person Present
If you are arrested for trespassing in a situation where you are in a structure or conveyance or remain in one after being asked to leave, you are facing a misdemeanor in the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Trespassing in a Structure of Conveyance – Person Present
If you are arrested for trespassing when there was a person in the structure or conveyance at the time of the trespass, you will be facing a misdemeanor in the first degree, which is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Trespass in a Structure of Conveyance – While Armed
If you are armed during the time of the trespass or become armed while inside the structure or conveyance, you will be facing a felony in the 3rd degree, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
A structure or conveyance is an area that is not considered a dwelling, or a home. Examples of structures and conveyances is fenced property, a detached shed, a vehicle. Things to consider: reaching into someone’s vehicle can be considered a trespass, or reaching into the bed of someone’s truck.
If you are accused of trespass while armed, this turns into a felony. Something to consider is that you do not need to be armed when you enter the property. If you arm yourself while on the property, or inside the conveyance, you can be prosecuted under this statute.
These are serious consequences that leave lasting impacts on people’s lives. If you have been arrested for trespassing, you need someone who is experienced, and ready to fight for you. Attorney Matthew Thompson has the experience necessary to fight for you in court. He will provide a custom defense crafted specifically for your case. Attorney Thompson has handled hundreds of trespassing cases in his career, and is ready to apply that experience to your case, and to help you get your life back on track after your arrest. For a free consultation, call Attorney Matthew Thompson today at (386) 280-4977. Your consultation can be scheduled in DeLand or Daytona Beach, depending on your location, we make it easy and convenient for you to get the legal representation you need.
Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.
Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
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No Charges Filed and Prevented Arrest Grand Theft
Client was caring for her special needs sister. While caring for her she received advice from bank personnel to place her sister’s Disability Checks into a bank account in the Client’s name to avoid other family members from stealing money. Once the family members discovered this they called the police to investigate the Client. Attorney Thompson put together documentation showing how the money was being spent and met with police to further explain the situation. The police determined that there was no
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All Charges Dismissed Child Abuse Battery
The Client was entangled in a contentious divorce where her ex-husband used the criminal legal system to try to gain leverage against the Client in the family law courts. Attorney Thompson was able to provide documentation, witness statements, and a certificate of completion of a parenting class to get all charges dismissed against the client.
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No Criminal Charges Filed Public Assistance Fraud
Attorney Thompson and Client reviewed case and met with Department of Revenue investigators to explain the discrepancy. In doing so, the State determined that they would not seek criminal charges, but offered a repayment plan through non-judicial means.
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Deferred Prosecution Agreement Loitering and Prowling
Client became disoriented due to a medical condition and entered a car that did not belong to him, but looked just like his car. Attorney Thompson provided mitigation to the State concerning the Defendant’s medical issues and ensured the client would be offered a Deferred Prosecution Agreement by the State wherein all charges would be dismissed upon completion.
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All Charges Dismissed Aggravated Battery on and Elderly Person
The Defendant and his wife allowed the wife’s elderly mother to come to their home and remove her personal items. During this time the mother began to yell obscenities and attacked E.B. Both parties tried to remove the mother from the home and prevent further physical violence. The mother contacted police and stated that she had been attacked. Attorney Thompson contacted the State Attorney’s Office and met with opposing counsel before charges were filed.
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All Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery
Attorney Thompson conducted depositions on the alleged victim and third-party witness. Attorney Thompson was able to show that the victim was harassing the Defendant and was not being truthful to the police. Attorney Thompson filed Order to Show Cause against the third-party witness for avoiding subpoena for depositions.