Trespassing in Federal Way

Maybe you were exploring downtown Federal Way and accidentally found yourself in a restricted area. Maybe you thought you were at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest but ended up on private property. Or perhaps you were exercising your right to free speech and were unfairly penalized. No matter the scenario that led to your trespassing charges, our Federal Way defense attorneys can challenge them.

For over two decades, our team has been defending our clients against trespassing charges. We'll review the prosecution's evidence to find any holes or violations of your rights. Then, we will fight to have the charges and penalties reduced or dismissed by the King County Courts. Call us now to speak with an attorney who specializes in trespassing defense in Federal Way.

Why Choose Our Federal Way Lawyers

As Federal Way attorneys, we don't just know Washington law inside and out. We also know the defenses that work in King County Courts. When our attorneys represent you, you get:

• Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys: Our legal team is recognized for excellence in representing clients against criminal trespass in Washington state.
• Specialists In Trespassing Defense: Trespassing cases are our focus. Whether you're facing charges for entering or remaining unlawfully on someone else's property or a building, we have the legal knowledge to fight for you. We've handled hundreds of cases involving first-degree trespassing and criminal trespass with intent to commit a crime.
• Over 20 Years Of Experience Representing Trespassing Clients: Our team has spent two decades representing clients facing trespassing charges in Federal Way and across Washington state. We've dealt with everything, from simple trespassing to aggravated charges involving residential properties or public facilities, where penalties can include jail time, fines, and probation.
• Proven Success In Federal Way Courts: We've secured favorable outcomes in numerous trespassing cases at King County Courts.
• Strong Local Relationships With Federal Way Courts And Law Enforcement: Our team has built trusted relationships with Federal Way prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement, which allow us to offer you a strategic advantage. Because we understand how the Federal Way Police Department approaches trespassing cases, we know how to challenge their methods when necessary.

Our lawyers are formidable allies in your defense. Let us bring our expertise to your trespassing case.

Defenses Against Trespassing Charges In King County

If you're facing trespassing charges in King County, our Federal Way trespassing defense attorneys will explore several defenses. Here are some that we may use to challenge the charges against you:

1. Lack Of Notice: A fundamental defense against a trespassing charge is proving that the property owners did not properly notify you that you were on private property. A lack of notice can include a lack of signs, verbal warnings, or other forms of communication indicating that the area was restricted.
2. Implied Consent: If our attorneys can demonstrate that the property owner or an authorized person permitted you to be on the property, either explicitly or implicitly, this can negate a trespassing charge.
3. Mistake Of Fact: If you genuinely believed that you had the right to be on the property or mistakenly thought the property was public or that you had permission to enter, we can use this misunderstanding as a defense.
4. Public Necessity: If it is required to enter private property to prevent greater harm, like escaping from a dangerous situation, we can argue public necessity.
5. Property Not Clearly Marked: If the owners did not clearly mark their property boundaries, we can argue that you did not knowingly trespass.
6. Withdrawal After Warning: If you left the property immediately after being informed that your presence was unauthorized, this may also be used as a defense, showing compliance with the property owner's demands.

Our Federal Way legal team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case to determine. Then, we'll find the defense strategy that is right for your case.

Why Did I Get Charged With Trespassing In Federal Way?

Under Washington state law, trespassing is entering or remaining unlawfully on the property of another. There are two degrees of criminal trespass. First-degree trespass is entering or remaining unlawfully in a building, while second-degree trespass is unlawfully entering or remaining on premises or land. There are many scenarios where Federal Way law enforcement will charge you with trespassing, including:

• If you enter a store like The Commons at Federal Way after being previously banned or after business hours without permission
• If you enter someone's private property or yard in a Federal Way neighborhood without their permission or stay after being asked to leave
• If you are on the grounds of Federal Way Public Schools without authorization or outside of permissible hours
• If you enter a construction site in Federal Way, such as those near the downtown redevelopment area, without authorization or proper safety clearance
• If you stay in Federal Way parks like Celebration Park after posted closing times without proper authorization
• If you remain in private parking areas designated for customers or permit holders only, such as those near Federal Way Transit Center, without a valid reason or after being asked to leave

Our Federal Way attorneys understand that many of the scenarios are simply a product of misunderstanding. We'll fight hard to make sure the King County Courts do not unfairly punish you.

What Are The Penalties For Trespassing In Washington State?

The penalties for trespassing in Washington state include:

• First-Degree Trespassing (RCW 9A.52.070): First-degree trespass is a gross misdemeanor with penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Second-Degree Trespassing (RCW 9A.52.080): Second-degree trespass is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 90 days in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

In addition to legal penalties, a trespassing conviction can lead to other repercussions, such as difficulty in finding employment, problems with securing housing, and other issues related to having a criminal record.

Our Federal Way Attorneys Challenge Trespassing Charges

As local federal way attorneys, we understand how easy it can be to get a trespassing charge here. You may think you are exploring Dash Point State Park, Steel Lake Park, or Dumas Bay, but you are really on private property. Sometimes, you're at Town Center District or Downtown Federal Way, and you end up in an off-limits area of a building. In either case, your trespassing charges can be challenged in court. We know this because we have been doing it for over 20 years. No matter the circumstances behind your trespassing charges, call our Federal Way law offices now. We'll review your case for free and make a plan to protect your freedom.

Our Experienced Federal Way Trespassing Lawyers Can Help You

A trespassing conviction in Federal Way should never be underestimated. Criminal trespassing in Washington State is defined as a person knowingly and unlawfully entering or remaining on a Federal Way premises that belongs to another party. This crime is most commonly committed in Federal Way commercial buildings, but trespassing may also occur on or in construction sites, empty lots, and residential homes.

Sometimes a criminal trespassing charge results from a misunderstanding, but it's still necessary for the court to accept your explanation. A person charged with criminal trespassing may have forgotten to carry proper identification, or may not have been aware that they were on private property when confronted by the police. If this applies to you, discuss the details of your arrest with one of our qualified Federal Way trespassing attorneys.

Law enforcement officials sometime place an emphasis on prosecuting criminal trespassing cases, especially in places frequented by the homeless and teenagers. These areas include parking lots and stores where problems may have previously occurred. If you think the police targeted you without reason, our Federal Way trespassing lawyers are ready to help you take the next step.

A Federal Way trespassing charge may be either a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. A gross misdemeanor conviction imposes penalties of up to a year in jail, fines of up to $5,000, and the risk of a damaged reputation that accompanies a criminal record.

At the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe, our team of litigators will pursue any legal means to have your trespassing charges dismissed. Contact a Federal Way trespassing lawyer before talking to the authorities and make sure that your legal rights are protected.

Our Federal Way Trespassing Lawyers Offer A Free Evaluation Of Your Case

When preparing your defense, it helps to have an understanding of how the law applies to your situation. Even if you were charged with trespassing without reason, you still need to deal with the prosecutor and court. You will benefit from professional legal guidance as you build a resolute defense; something our Federal Way attorneys are proud to offer.

Our Federal Way trespassing attorneys will attempt to resolve your case quickly. Handling the courts is often tricky, but we will work diligently to ensure that you get reliable information when you need it most. In many cases involving criminal trespassing, the property owner and defendant had a simple misunderstanding that led to an arrest. Sometimes mistaken identity is the cause. With over thirty years of combined experience, our Federal Way lawyers know how to prepare for a criminal trespassing case, so contact us today to get started.