Bell County Trespassing Attorney
You might not think of trespassing as a serious criminal offense, and it is true that this crime is charged as a misdemeanor in most cases. Still, a violation of the Texas criminal trespass law can lead to jail time, fines, and other consequences if you are convicted. The key to avoiding the harsh implications is taking advantage of every possible defense strategy after an arrest, and there may be multiple opportunities to contest the charges along the way.
Our team at The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC is knowledgeable about tactics for fighting trespass allegations, as the core focus at our firm is criminal defense. We can advise you on options after reviewing the details of your case, so please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Bell County criminal trespass attorney. Some background information about the relevant legal concepts is also useful.
Essential Elements of a Criminal Trespass Case
The elements of a case are what the prosecutor must establish to obtain a conviction. The government’s burden is the highest in the practice of law, so the prosecution must prove the following sets of facts beyond a reasonable doubt to get a guilty verdict for criminal trespass:
- The defendant entered upon property without the consent of the owner, or remained upon the property after consent had been withdrawn; or
- The defendant received notice that entry upon property was forbidden, such as a “No Trespassing” sign or other affirmative statement by the owner.
Criminal trespass is a Class B Misdemeanor if no other aggravating factors are present, so a conviction could mean up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. However, the offense may be a Class A Misdemeanor if it occurs upon critical infrastructure or you were in possession of a deadly weapon. If convicted, you face one year incarceration and a $4,000 fine.
Tips if You Were Arrested for Criminal Trespass
Your first priority upon being charged by police is to retain a Bell County criminal trespass attorney for assistance with your defense. The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC will tackle the essential legal tasks involved with your arraignment, seeking bond and pretrial release, and trial. You can support our efforts to defend criminal trespass charges by following a few To-Do’s:
- Never resist arrest. You could face more serious charges for assaulting a police officer.
- Do not offer statements to law enforcement, even to profess your innocence.
- Avoid responding to questions posed by officers, as you could reveal too much with your answers.
Count on a Bell County Criminal Trespass Lawyer for Legal Help
One of the most important To-Do’s after being arrested for criminal trespass is retaining skilled representation to defend your rights. To learn how we can assist, please contact The Law Office of Katie L. Gomez, PLLC in Temple, TX. You can set up a free consultation with a Bell County criminal trespass attorney by calling 254-330-3214 or visiting us online. After assessing your situation, we can advise you on what to expect.
