Harrisburg Trespassing Attorney
We Defend Trespassing Charges in Harrisburg and Throughout Central Pennsylvania
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg trespassing defense attorney is a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced advocate. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with trespassing, we are here to help. Contact us at our Harrisburg law office today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation with a top Pennsylvania misdemeanor defense lawyer.
An Overview of Trespassing Charges in Pennsylvania
Trespassing is a crime in Pennsylvania. Under Commonwealth law (18 Pa. C.S. § 3503), trespassing occurs when someone unlawfully enters or remains on another person’s property. Notably, the statute defines different types of trespassing. Here are the two most common:
- Simple Trespassing: In Pennsylvania, simple trespassing is a lower-level form of trespassing that occurs when a person unlawfully enters or remains on another’s property without causing significant harm or damage and without specific intent to commit a crime. It is a summary offense that can result in a maximum $300 fine and 90 days in jail.
- Defiant Trespassing: A more serious offense, defiant trespassing occurs when a person enters or stays on the property despite clear warnings not to do so. These warnings may include signs, verbal instructions, or even clear fences. It is a first-degree misdemeanor offense. A conviction can carry up to five years in prison.
There are some other trespassing offenses under Pennsylvania law. For example, refusing to leave a bar or restaurant after being asked to do so is defined as a third-degree misdemeanor trespassing offense. It can carry a $2,500 fine and up to one year in jail.
Defenses Against a Trespassing Offense
Were you arrested and charged with trespassing? You have the right to raise a defense. A proactive approach is a must. Trespassing charges can carry more serious criminal penalties than many people realize. Our Harrisburg criminal defense attorney will evaluate every potential strategy that could apply to your case, including:
- Lack of Intent: You may demonstrate that you did not knowingly or intentionally trespass on the property.
- Mistake of Fact: You may assert that you reasonably had permission or ownership rights to enter.
- No Clear Warning: In a defiant trespassing case, you could show that there were no signs, barriers, or verbal warnings prohibiting entry.
- Necessity or Emergency: You may fall under an exception to enter the property to prevent harm or to address an otherwise urgent situation.
How Harrisburg Criminal Defense Lawyer David Hoover Can Help
Even though trespassing is generally a misdemeanor offense in Pennsylvania, it can still carry serious adverse consequences. David M. Hoover is a top-tier Harrisburg criminal defense lawyer committed to protecting the rights, freedom, and future of clients. We are proactive. Along with other things, our Harrisburg trespassing defense lawyer will:
- Conduct a comprehensive, confidential review of your case;
- Investigate the trespassing charges—gathering relevant evidence; and
- Develop a personalized strategy to help you get the best outcome.
Contact Our Harrisburg Trespassing Defense Attorney Today
At The Hoover Firm, LLC, our Harrisburg trespassing defense lawyer, has the skills and experience to help you find the best solution to your situation. Call us now or contact us online for a fully confidential, no-obligation consultation. From our Harrisburg law office, we defend trespassing charges in Dauphin County and throughout the wider region in Central Pennsylvania.