Criminal Trespassing in Olympia

Trespassing charges often arise from misunderstandings, especially in a city like Olympia. With business parks like West Olympia Business Park, Capitol Mall, and Deschutes Parkway, it's easy to accidentally enter restricted areas where access is limited. Similarly, it's common to unknowingly step onto private property while exploring outdoor spaces like the McLane Creek Nature Trail and Woodard Bay Conservation Area. These everyday mistakes can quickly lead to trespassing charges. Fortunately, our Olympia attorneys are here to help.

Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Have Over 20 Years Of Experience

If you're facing trespassing charges in Olympia, you need an experienced defense team that understands the local legal system. With over 20 years of experience defending clients in Thurston County courts, we know how to challenge the prosecution's evidence. Whether you're accused of entering private property without permission or violating a no-contact order, we will build a robust defense strategy that counters the prosecution at every turn. When you hire us, you get access to various services, including:

• Local Expertise: We have a deep knowledge of Olympia's courts and legal procedures.
• Skilled Representation: We have over two decades of experience in defending clients against trespassing in Western Washington.
• Tailored Defense Strategy: We customize our approach to the specific facts of your case, challenging evidence and building a strong defense.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We fight to protect your rights, minimize penalties, and seek a favorable outcome.
• Clear Communication: We keep you informed at every step of the process, answering your questions and addressing your concerns.

Trespassing charges, even if seemingly minor, have serious penalties. You don't want to face them alone. Trust us to guide you through the process and provide the aggressive defense you deserve.

What Is Considered Criminal Trespassing In Washington State?

In Washington state, there are different degrees of criminal trespassing, each with a different set of penalties:

• Criminal Trespass (First Degree): Entering or remaining in a building or a residence without permission
• Criminal Trespass (Second Degree): Entering or remaining on land or other property but not inside a building
• Aggravated Trespassing: Entering a property to threaten or harm another person

In all degrees of criminal trespass, intent impacts your penalties. If someone asks you to leave a property and you refuse or you enter a property to commit another crime, you will face elevated charges.

What Legal Actions Should I Take If Accused Of Criminal Trespass?

If you are facing criminal trespass charges, you must act fast. The sooner you act, the more legal options you have to reduce penalties. Here are the steps our Olympia lawyers specializing in criminal trespassing recommend:

1. Do Not Engage With The Property Owner Or Accuser: Avoid confrontation or communication with the person who accused you. Do not admit guilt or discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney, as anything you say could be used against you.
2. Document Your Actions And The Incident: Write down everything you remember about the situation, including the time, place, and any interactions you had before the trespassing allegation. If possible, gather any evidence that supports your version of events, such as witness statements or photos.
3. Collect Evidence Of Your Location: If you were on the property by mistake, gather any evidence that shows your intent was not malicious.
4. Hire Our Criminal Defense Attorneys: Hire experienced criminal defense attorneys in Olympia who can guide you through the process. As attorneys specializing in trespassing cases, we will thoroughly investigate the details, challenge the evidence, and develop a strategy to defend your rights. We're here to protect you every step of the way.
5. Follow Your Attorney's Advice: Listen closely to your attorney's guidance, especially regarding interacting with law enforcement or the property owner. We're here to protect your interests during the legal process.

Do not wait. While trespassing does not seem like a serious charge, the penalties in Washington state are very high.

What Are The Penalties For Criminal Trespassing In Washington?

The penalties for criminal trespassing in Washington state include:

• Criminal Trespass (First Degree): Classified as a gross misdemeanor, you will face up to 364 days in jail and/or fines of up to $5,000.
• Criminal Trespass (Second Degree): Classified as a simple misdemeanor, you will face up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
• Aggravated Trespassing: Penalties are more severe and can result in increased fines or longer jail time, depending on the circumstances.

Convictions for criminal trespassing can also lead to a criminal record that makes finding employment or housing difficult. If you are facing trespassing charges, you must take them seriously. Speak to a qualified legal professional right away.

Schedule A Free Trespassing Case Review With Our Olympia Legal Team

Olympia offers so many places to explore, from the bustling neighborhoods of Downtown Olympia and Eastside to the more tranquil areas of South Capitol and North Olympia. Whether you're visiting the State Capitol or strolling through Heritage Park, there's always something to discover. We also have beautiful natural spaces beyond the city, like Olympia's Capitol State Forest, Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area, and Yashiro Japanese Garden. With all these places to discover, it's easy to accidentally find yourself where you should not be.

If you are facing trespassing charges in Olympia, our attorneys are ready to help. We believe that every trespassing charge in Olympia can be challenged. Our legal experts will dive into the evidence and scrutinize every detail using our familiarity with the city, from the intricacies of property lines in West Bay Drive to the frequently misunderstood boundaries around Squaxin (Priest Point) Park and the Olympia Farmers Market. We'll apply our extensive knowledge about Olympia to your defense strategy.

Do not let a simple mistake jeopardize your future. Contact our Olympia-based trespassing lawyers now. We'll schedule a free case review right away to assess all of your different legal options. Then, our attorneys will help you understand what steps to take to protect your future.

Most people understand that trespassing means going or being someplace where you are not allowed to be. Sometimes the charges will arise out of situations where there was a misunderstanding and sometimes lots of alcohol was involved… Either way, it is important to take the charge seriously because your case might be a lot more complicated than what you imagine.

A criminal trespass charge is broken down into two different degrees which indicate the seriousness of the offense. The more serious offense is criminal trespass 1° which means you knowingly entered or remained unlawfully in a building. This charge is a gross misdemeanor which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. A common example for this charge is being thrown out of a bar and being told not to return but then you actually go back.

Slightly less serious is criminal trespass 2°. This charge is a misdemeanor which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. You are charged with this when you knowingly enter or remain unlawfully on someone’s property – but the property is not a building.

If you are facing a criminal trespass charge, do not hesitate to give us a call. We are more than happy to discuss with you your situation and help explain to you the process.