An Overview of Trespassing Offenses in Tampa

Under Florida law, the crime of trespassing occurs when a defendant knowingly and willfully enters the property of another without permission or authorized access or remains there after being asked to leave the premises. There are varying degrees of misdemeanors and felonies for trespass activities, which depend on whether the defendant used a firearm or other weapon in the commission of the crime as well as the type of structure that the defendant entered without permission. For example, trespassing on airport property is an automatic felony. The same is true if the defendant trespasses on someone else’s property while possessing a firearm or another weapon.

The Florida criminal code categorizes various trespassing offenses according to the type of structure or dwelling that the person attempts to enter.

The Possible Consequences of Being Convicted of Trespassing Offenses in Tampa

The penalties for a trespassing conviction range from six months in jail and a $500 fine to up to 20 years in prison if the defendant trespassed on airport property with the intention of committing a felony. Fines can be quite expensive for Florida trespassing crimes involving entry onto private property.

Do not make the mistake of underestimating the impact that being convicted of trespassing in Tampa can have on your future. This crime should be treated with serious attention and scrutiny. Dealing with the fallout of a criminal record can make it more difficult to find employment or housing opportunities and may damage your personal reputation. It may even be grounds to lose your professional license if you work in a highly regulated industry.

That is why it is so important to take any criminal charges, including trespassing, very seriously and do everything in your power to mount a viable defense in court.

Planning a Proactive Defense Against Trespassing Offenses in Tampa

Just because you are charged with a trespassing offense in Tampa does not mean that you are automatically guilty of the charge. You may have a perfectly plausible explanation for your behavior, which you should share with a Tampa defense attorney to ensure that you are not convicted of a crime that you did not actually commit. Do not forget that the prosecutor must prove every element of the trespassing crime beyond a reasonable doubt in order to ultimately convict you at trial. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer can present a significant challenge to the prosecution’s case by making it harder for them to prove each element of the crime and objecting to the admission of any evidence that the state might have in support of its case against you.

The best way to make sure that you are exploring all possible ways to have your trespassing charges dismissed or avoid being convicted of a trespassing crime in Tampa is to consult with competent legal counsel. You should not attempt to represent yourself as a criminal defendant in Tampa because the process can be complex and overwhelming to navigate if you do not have a background in criminal law.

Retaining a Trusted Lawyer in Tampa to Defend You Against Trespassing Charges in Florida

If you or a loved one have been charged with a trespassing offense in Tampa, you should call an experienced criminal defense attorney like William Hanlon, criminal lawyer in Tampa for a consultation about your case. The sooner you start working with attorney William Hanlon, the closer you will be to having a proactive defense strategy to fight trespassing charges in Tampa. Do not delay in taking the first step to fight for your freedom and future in your pending Tampa trespassing criminal case.