TRESPASS & BURGLARY ATTORNEY IN CIRCLEVILLE

Types of Trespassing Charges a Trespass Defense Attorney in Circleville Can Help You With

With the best Circleville trespass attorney on your side, you’ll be provided with legal expertise, a robust defense strategy, and rights protection. In addition, your attorney will explain the charges brought against you in layman’s terms and interpret the best course of action during a stressful time. A trespass charge typically involves entering onto property that they are not legally allowed to access or did not have permission to enter. 

Ohio state statutes outline various trespassing charges and possible resulting penalties; however, each case may involve nuances that an experienced trespassing attorney is best qualified to help you navigate.

• Criminal Trespass:
  • When a person knowingly enters or remains on another’s land or premises without permission or a legal right to do so.
  • Penalties: Typically considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by fines and/or up to 30 days in jail.
• Aggravated Trespass:
  • When a person enters a place of habitation or an occupied building or when the trespass involves the use or threat of force against another person.
  • Penalties: Punishable by fines and/or up to 180 days in jail.
• Trespass on Posted Property:
  • When a person enters land or premises that are clearly posted as “no trespassing” without permission.
  • Penalties: Similar to basic criminal trespass, but penalties may be enhanced due to the clear signage indicating no trespassing.
• Trespass on Agricultural Land:
  • Entering farmland without permission. It may be considered a misdemeanor for first-time offenses, but repeated offenses or trespass with the intent to cause damage or steal property could result in felony charges.
  • Penalties: Misdemeanor penalties may apply for first-time offenses, but repeated offenses or trespass with the intent to cause damage or steal property could result in felony charges, carrying heavier fines and potential prison sentences.
• Trespass on Railroad Property:
  • Entering or being on railroad tracks or property without permission. It may be charged as a misdemeanor for simple trespass but could escalate to felony charges if it involves disrupting railroad operations or creating a safety hazard.
  • Penalties: Misdemeanor charges may apply for simple trespass, but if the trespass involves the disruption of railroad operations or the creation of a safety hazard, felony charges may be pursued.
• Trespass on School Grounds or Childcare Facilities:
  • Entering these premises without permission. Such areas are considered sensitive, and trespassing on them may lead to enhanced penalties.
  • Penalties: Similar to basic criminal trespass, but with potential enhancements for trespassing on school grounds or childcare facilities.
• Trespass to Commit a Criminal Offense:
  • When a person enters a property without permission with the intent to commit a crime, such as theft, assault, or vandalism.
  • Penalties: Misdemeanor charges may apply for simple trespass with intent to commit a minor offense, but felony charges could result if the trespass is intended to facilitate a serious crime.

Understanding Different Burglary Charges & Penalties in Circleville

Similar to trespassing offenses, burglary charges in Ohio are based on circumstances and intent. Your burglary attorney in Circleville will have the knowledge and nuanced expertise to advise you best on how to handle your charges and represent you in court.

• Burglary:
  • When a person trespasses into an occupied structure, vehicle, or separately secured portion of an occupied structure, with the intent to commit a criminal offense inside.
  • Penalties:
    • Felony of the First Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between three to eleven years and/or fines up to $20,000.
    • Felony of the Second Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between two to eight years and/or fines up to $15,000.
• Aggravated Burglary:
  • Trespassing into an occupied structure or separately secured portion of an occupied structure with the intent to commit a criminal offense, while also inflicting, attempting to inflict, or threatening to inflict physical harm on another person.
  • Penalties:
    • Felony of the First Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between three to eleven years and/or fines up to $20,000.
    • Felony of the Second Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between two to eight years and/or fines up to $15,000.
• Breaking and Entering:
  • Unlawfully entering or trespassing into an unoccupied structure, vehicle, or separately secured portion of an occupied structure, with the intent to commit a criminal offense inside.
  • Penalties:
    • Misdemeanor Charges: Punishable by imprisonment for up to 180 days and/or fines up to $1,000.
    • Felony Charges: Depending on the circumstances, breaking and entering can be elevated to felony charges with penalties similar to burglary offenses.
• Home Invasion:
  • Trespassing into an occupied residence with the intent to commit a criminal offense, while also inflicting, attempting to inflict, or threatening to inflict physical harm on another person.
  • Penalties:
    • Felony of the First Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between three to eleven years and/or fines up to $20,000.
    • Felony of the Second Degree: Punishable by a prison term of between two to eight years and/or fines up to $15,000.

The Best Time to Reach Out to a Circleville Trespassing & Burglary Attorney

If you find yourself facing trespassing or burglary charges or a combination of both in Circleville, it’s best to contact a trespassing and burglary attorney as soon as possible, either while you’re in jail or as soon as you are notified of a warrant against you. Speaking with a lawyer early in the process ensures your rights are protected, and they’ll be able to advise you on your options moving forward. Every case is unique based on evidence, prior criminal activity, who was involved in the situation, and the extent of harm caused by alleged trespassing or burglary. An experienced attorney can help mitigate serious potential prosecution by presenting reasonable doubt on your behalf.

Get a Free Trespassing or Burglary Case Review in Circleville From O’Leary Law Firm 

At O’Leary Law Firm, we understand you may have a lot of questions about your charges and what they might mean for your future. You could be facing hefty fines or months or even years of imprisonment. When you reach out to O’Leary Law Offices for a free phone consultation, I’ll review your initial questions and analyze the charges against you to determine our next steps to achieve your goals. My priority is making sure you’re in the best position to make the right decisions during this difficult time.

Once you’ve made contact with me, I’ll investigate the evidence collected by authorities, interview witnesses, and move forward with a robust defense strategy. Navigating each stage in the process with a knowledgeable Circleville trespassing and burglary attorney is critical to successfully dealing with these types of charges. I aim to ensure you’re in the best position to make the right decisions during this difficult time.

Contact O’Leary Law Offices for a free phone consultation.