Trespassing in Bellevue

Sometimes, an innocent mistake can escalate into serious legal trouble. Maybe you were confused about property boundaries. Maybe you thought you had permission to be somewhere. Or maybe you simply didn't realize you were in a restricted area. Whatever the case, facing a criminal trespass charge is very stressful. Consequences include jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record, as Washington state law takes trespassing very seriously. Fortunately, you do not have to face these charges alone. Our Bellevue legal team is here to defend your rights.

How Our Bellevue Criminal Attorneys Fight For You

When the courts charge you with trespassing in King County, our Bellevue trespass attorneys will bring years of local experience and dedication to your defense. Because we know that a trespassing charge can arise from misunderstandings or overzealous enforcement, we'll make sure that the King County courts hear your side of the story. Here's how we can fight your criminal trespass charges:

1. We'll Examine Your Case: We will go through every police report, witness statement, and surveillance footage we can access, looking for any gaps or weaknesses in the prosecution's case. We'll also search for procedural errors or other violations of your legal rights that could lead to a case dismissal.
2. We'll Use Our Familiarity with King County Courts: As local attorneys in Bellevue, we know the ins and outs of King County District Court, including the preferences of local judges and prosecutors. Our knowledge allows us to create a winning defense strategy.
3. We'll Challenge The Evidence Against You: Whether it's questioning the clarity of the "No Trespassing" signage or demonstrating that you had implied or explicit permission to be on the property, we aggressively challenge the evidence against you.
4. We'll Negotiate Charges And Penalties: If it's in your best interest, we'll work to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce your charges, avoid jail time, or secure an alternative resolution like community service or a deferred sentence.
5. We'll Build A Strong Defense: From asserting your lawful presence on the property to arguing lack of intent or mistaken identity, we build an aggressive defense strategy.

Throughout the process, our Bellevue legal team keeps you informed. Our expert King County trespass attorneys will answer your questions and provide the guidance you need to make confident decisions about your defense.

When Can Washington State Law Enforcement Charge You With Trespass?

In Washington state, law enforcement can charge you with trespass when you unlawfully enter or remain on someone else's property without permission. There are two degrees of criminal trespass:

• First-Degree Criminal Trespass: You can be charged with first-degree trespass if you enter or remain in a building illegally.
• Second-Degree Criminal Trespass: Second-degree trespass applies when you unlawfully enter or remain on someone's property other than a building, such as fenced-off land or restricted areas.

Trespassing is not simply breaking into someone's property. Law enforcement may charge you for trespassing in several circumstances, including:

• Ignoring posted "No Trespassing" signs
• Being on fenced or gated property without permission
• Refusing to leave after being asked by the property owner
• Entering a restricted area, such as a private facility or zone
• Remaining in a business after hours when asked to leave
• Unauthorized entry into a vacant building, residential or commercial
• Entering public property that is closed to the public during restricted hours
• Occupying private property during protests or demonstrations without consent
• Trespassing on school property, including classrooms or playgrounds
• Unauthorized access to apartment complexes or gated communities
• Being on another person's property during a domestic dispute, especially after being asked to leave
• Entering private driveways or front yards without the owner's permission
• Loitering in a business without purpose, lingering in areas without buying or interacting

Each of these scenarios involves knowingly entering or remaining on a property without lawful permission, which is the key element law enforcement must prove to bring trespass charges.

What Are The Penalties For Trespassing In Washington State?

The penalties for trespassing in Washington state depend on whether the charge is for first-degree or second-degree criminal trespass:

Penalties for First-Degree Criminal Trespass in Washington include:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Fines of up to $5,000
• Probation
• Community Service
• Permanent Criminal Record

Penalties for Second-Degree Criminal Trespassing in Washington include:

• Up to 90 days in jail
• Fines of up to $1,000
• Probation
• Community Service
• Permanent Criminal Record

No matter the degree of trespassing you face, the courts will issue harsher penalties if you have multiple trespassing convictions. Further, you could face civil lawsuits in addition to criminal penalties if your actions caused harm or damage to the property owner. You may be required to pay restitution to the property owner for any damage caused during the trespass. Finally, the King County Court can issue orders barring you from returning to the property in question.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Bellevue's Trespassing Defense Attorneys

We understand how trespassing can happen in Bellevue, where private property boundaries can sometimes be unclear. From entering restricted areas in the bustling Downtown Bellevue business district and crossing into construction zones near the Spring District to lingering after hours in places like Bellevue Square, many common activities can unintentionally lead to a trespassing charge. Even simple things like hiking near private property in Cougar Mountain or visiting a gated residential community without proper authorization can result in one.

Our local Bellevue criminal defense team firmly believes every trespassing charge can be challenged in some way. With our over two decades of experience, we know trespassing laws often have a lot of gray areas. We'll find the holes in the prosecution's case and use Washington state law to your advantage. Our team will build a strong defense, fight for reduced charges, and work for a good possible outcome to your case. Call now for a free consultation, and let us put our more than 20 years of experience to work for you.

Our Experienced Bellevue Trespassing Attorneys Are Here To Help

A trespassing conviction in Bellevue should be taken seriously. Criminal trespassing in Washington is defined as a person knowingly and unlawfully entering or remaining on an Bellevue premises that belongs to someone else. This crime is frequently committed in Bellevue commercial buildings, but trespassing also happens on construction sites, empty lots, and residential homes.

Sometimes a criminal trespassing charge is the result of a simple misunderstanding, but it's still necessary to get your version of the events acknowledged by the court. Someone charged with criminal trespassing may have forgotten to carry their identification, or may not have known that they were on private property when arrested. If any of these situations apply to you, be sure to discuss the details with one of our qualified Bellevue trespassing lawyers.

Sometimes law enforcement officials place an emphasis on prosecuting criminal trespassing cases. This is especially true in places frequented by the homeless and teens. These areas include parking lots near stores and shops where problems may have occurred in the past. If you think the police targeted you without just cause, our Bellevue trespassing attorneys would like to hear the details.

A Bellevue trespassing charge can be either a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending upon the situation. A gross misdemeanor conviction could land you in jail for a year, while facing fines of up to $5,000. You will also have to deal with the damage your reputation that accompanies the acquisition of a criminal record.

At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, our team of professional litigators will pursue measures to have your trespassing charges dismissed. Contact a Bellevue trespassing lawyer before talking to anyone in law enforcement, so that you can be sure your legal rights are protected.

Our Bellevue Trespassing Attorneys Offer A Free Consultation

To prepare a criminal trespassing defense it helps to have a knowledge of the law. Even if you were charged with this crime unfairly, you still need to deal with the prosecutor and court. Legal experience is beneficial as you build a resolute defense; something our Bellevue lawyers are proud to offer.

Our Bellevue trespassing lawyers will pursue a quick resolution to your case. Handling the courts is often difficult, but we will work tirelessly to ensure that you get reliable information when you need it most. In many criminal trespassing cases, the property owner and defendant had a simple misunderstanding. Sometimes there is a case of mistaken identity. With over 3 decades of combined experience, our Bellevue attorneys know how to prepare for a criminal trespassing case, and we will leave no stone unturned.

Contact our law office today and let our Bellevue lawyers help you develop a defense against criminal trespassing charges.