Criminal Trespass in West Palm Beach
Defense for Your Charges
Chapter 810 of the Florida code includes the definition of trespassing under state law, as well as the penalties available for the court in sentencing anyone convicted of this crime. My professional experience as a West Palm Beach criminal attorney has proven to be effective in a number of defense cases in Florida, and it could be for yours as well. There are different types of criminal trespass depending on the circumstances, as I describe below:
- Trespass in Structure or Conveyance
- Trespass on Property Other than Structure or Conveyance
- Trespass on School Property
Criminal trespass is normally a 2nd-degree misdemeanor crime, with fines as high as $1,000 as well as jail time and probation. The charge may be enhanced to Trespass in an Occupied Structure/Conveyance, which carries heavier penalties as a 1st-degree misdemeanor. Armed Trespass occurs when the suspect was carrying a weapon at the time of the incident, and it is a 3rd-degree
felony crime which can result in a prison sentence of 5 years and up to $5,000 in fines. In addition to these punishments, if you are convicted of any form of trespass, you will have a criminal record that may make it difficult for you to secure employment in the future.
A West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer can help you find an effective strategy to fight your charges. Common defenses to trespass allegations aim to establish that the defendant could not reasonably be expected to know that his actions constituted a breach of the law. It is vital to take legal action as soon as you are charged with criminal trespass.
Protecting Your Rights: The Law Offices of Phillip T. Ridolfo, Jr.
In the Florida legal system, you are innocent until proven guilty, and for over 20 years, I have been defending individuals against all types of charges in criminal defense cases. My name is Phil Ridolfo, Jr. and I believe that when you have been accused of a crime, you should not have to face off against the government alone. At my firm, you will meet with me, not with a paralegal or junior attorney, because I feel it is important to provide top quality, personal service to my clients throughout the defense process. It is often possible to have criminal trespass charges reduced or dropped altogether, but it is important to get started on your defense immediately to ensure the best chances of a successful outcome.