A third-degree criminal trespass charge in Jefferson County, Colorado can result when someone unlawfully enters or remains on someone’s land. This charge can also apply when the location isn’t enclosed or fenced in some way. 3rd degree trespassing can range from a petty offense to a class 5 felony depending on specific facts of the case. It’s always best to have a property owner’s permission before entering land in which you’re unfamiliar. Consult an experienced trespassing lawyer early on if you’re facing an allegation of entering or remaining without authorization somewhere in Colorado.
Lakewood Third-Degree Criminal Trespass Law
Jefferson County’s 3rd degree trespass law prohibits going on the property of another without permission. Specific violations are found in CRS 18-4-504. You commit third-degree criminal trespass in Lakewood, Arvada, or Golden if you:
- unlawfully enter or remain,
- in or on the premises of another
This type of trespassing often occurs in parks after hours or land that lacks a fence. The element of knowingly can sometimes be argued when a person mistakenly enters an incorrect address in their smartphone that they’ve been invited to. If they proceed to walk on the property not realizing it’s the wrong address, they haven’t committed criminal trespass.
What’s the Sentence for 3rd Degree Trespass in Colorado?
Many cases of third-degree trespassing in Colorado are a class 1 petty offense. Defendants in these scenarios face up to 6 months in county jail, as well as up to $500 in fines if convicted. If a person commits third-degree trespassing on agricultural lands such as a ranch or farm, a class 3 misdemeanor applies. Similar jail time and fines up to $750 are possible for conviction. However, if the intent behind trespassing on agricultural lands was to commit a felony, such as theft, a class 5 felony applies.
Arvada Trespassing Attorney
Anyone facing a trespassing allegation in Colorado shouldn’t talk to the police – they should talk to us. Securing a skilled attorney early on can have a substantial impact on your case. We have decades of combined experience defending clients facing all degrees of trespassing throughout Colorado. Perhaps you had the owner’s consent to be on the property, you didn’t know you were trespassing, or the land wasn’t farmland or someone’s ranch. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We offer affordable fees and flexible payment plans for those facing criminal accusations throughout Colorado.