Trespassing in Seattle

There are countless places to explore in Seattle. From the iconic Pike Place Market to the peaceful trails of Discovery Park, there's something for everyone. Take in breathtaking views at Kerry Park, wander through the lush greenery of the Washington Park Arboretum, or enjoy the bustling energy of the Fremont neighborhood. Whether you're shopping in Ballard or relaxing along Alki Beach, you can always find a place to enjoy.

Unfortunately, the boundaries of public and private property aren't always clearly marked, so it’s easy to accidentally find yourself in a restricted area. Trespassing is a serious offense in Washington state, with consequences that can impact your record and future. If you're facing a trespassing charge, you need an experienced Seattle attorney who knows how to challenge these allegations and protect your rights.

Why You Need An Attorney If You Face Trespassing Charges In Seattle

A criminal trespassing attorney specializes in defending individuals accused of unlawfully using someone else's property without permission. While trespassing charges in Washington state can seem minor, they have major penalties. An experienced Seattle-based trespassing defense attorney can help you understand your charges and explore defense options to protect your rights.

In Seattle, trespassing cases often arise from situations where boundaries are unclear. A criminal trespassing attorney local to the city is particularly valuable because they know the nuances of local laws, the tendencies of King County judges, and the strategies prosecutors use in these cases. Whether your case involves a misunderstanding, mistaken identity, or other mitigating factors, an attorney can work to have charges reduced, dismissed, or mitigated through diversion programs.

What Are The Penalties For Trespassing In Washington State?

The penalties for criminal trespass in Washington state include:

• Criminal Trespass In The First Degree: Classified as a gross misdemeanor. Penalties include as many as 364 days in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
• Criminal Trespass In The Second Degree: Classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties include as many as 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Beyond these legal penalties, a trespassing conviction can result in a permanent criminal record, which could impact your ability to secure housing, employment, or educational opportunities. If you're facing trespassing charges in Seattle, you need a knowledgeable attorney by your side to minimize this impact. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation.

What Does King County Prosecution Have To Prove In A Trespassing Case?

In a trespassing case in King County, the prosecution must prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction, including:

• Unlawful Entry Or Remaining: The prosecution must show that you knowingly entered or remained on the property without permission. First-Degree Trespass must occur in a building, while Second-Degree Trespass applies to other types of property, such as land.
• Knowledge Of Trespass: The prosecution must prove that you knew, or reasonably should have known, that your presence on the property was unauthorized, including from visible signage (like "No Trespassing" signs) or verbal warnings from property owners or security.
• Lack Of Consent: The prosecution must establish that the owner did not consent to your presence or did not grant permission for you to be on the property at the time of the alleged offense.
• Specific Location: For the charge to stick, the prosecution must identify the exact location where the alleged trespassing occurred and demonstrate that it meets the criteria of private property under the law.
• Intent: While trespassing doesn't require criminal intent like theft or vandalism, the prosecution must prove that your actions were voluntary and not accidental, such as wandering into restricted areas unintentionally.

If the King County prosecution cannot prove these beyond a shadow of a doubt, they will not be able to secure a conviction.

How Our Seattle Attorneys Challenge Trespassing Charges In Seattle

Our attorneys examine every aspect of the prosecution's case, looking for gaps or inconsistencies in the evidence. We will:

• Dispute Knowledge: If signage was unclear or absent, we argue you couldn't have known you were trespassing.
• Prove Consent: If there's any indication that you had permission, we challenge the lack of consent element.
• Establish Mistake: If you entered the property unintentionally or under a mistaken belief you were allowed, we argue that the prosecution can't prove the intent required.
• Challenge Witness Credibility: If the case relies on witness testimony, we review their statements for inconsistencies. We'll also challenge their credibility and identify their biases.
• Examine Law Enforcement Conduct: We review the actions and procedures followed by law enforcement during the investigation.
• Present Alternative Explanations: We provide alternative reasons for your presence on the property that do not involve criminal intent, further weakening the prosecution's case.
• Utilize Physical Evidence: If available, we use physical evidence to corroborate your version of the events or disprove the prosecution's claims.

With over 20 years of experience defending trespassing cases in King County, our attorneys know how to analyze these legal elements to build strong defenses. If you're facing trespassing charges in King County courts, contact us for a consultation. We will protect your rights and work to achieve a favorable outcome for your case.

Consult Seattle's Expert Trespassing Defense Attorneys Now

Seattle is full of breathtaking places to explore. Within the city, you can stroll through the scenic Discovery Park, admire the serene beauty of Green Lake, or hike the lush trails of the Washington Park Arboretum. Venture just outside the city to discover Rattlesnake Ledge or Mount Si. For those who prefer water activities, the shores of Lake Sammamish State Park and Golden Gardens Park provide perfect spots for relaxation. Further afield, the majestic Snoqualmie Falls and the rugged terrain of Tiger Mountain offer incredible outdoor experiences.

With so many beautiful places to enjoy, it's easy to inadvertently cross into restricted areas and get trespassing charges. As Seattle-based attorneys, we know this city and understand how boundary issues can lead to misunderstandings. This is why we firmly believe every trespassing charge can be challenged in court. With our deep local knowledge and expertise, we will find a way to defend your case. Call our Seattle law offices today for a free consultation, and let us fight for you.

Contact Our Seattle Trespassing Attorneys and Ensure Your Rights are Protected

Trespassing in Seattle is a crime that could have an adverse effect on your life, if convicted. In Seattle, if a person knowingly and unlawfully enters or remains on a premises belonging to someone else they could be arrested for criminal trespassing. While trespassing in Seattle is usually committed inside of a building, it can also apply to construction sites, empty lots, or even a place of residence.

While many instances of trespassing can be chalked up to a simple misunderstanding, these are not charges that should be taken lightly. Indeed, there are cases where a person charged with trespassing in Seattle forgot their identification, or simply did not know that they were on private property. Still, this needs to be proven to the court and the prosecutor, so it’s a good idea to talk to one of our qualified Seattle trespassing lawyers about the nature of your charges.

In some parts of Seattle there have been recent crackdowns on criminal trespassing, especially in places where teenagers and the homeless might loiter, like parking lots adjacent to stores. In these cases it is especially important to talk with experienced Seattle trespassing attorneys, because the accused might have been unfairly targeted.

If you are convicted of a Seattle trespassing crime you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a gross misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the arrest. A gross misdemeanor conviction for trespassing could result in up to a year in jail and fines totaling $5,000. Worse, a Seattle trespassing conviction will incur a criminal record, which could haunt you for many years.

Jason S. Newcombe is a Seattle litigator who will aggressively fight to have your criminal trespassing charges eliminated or reduced. Our team of Seattle trespassing lawyers urge you to contact us before talking to the authorities, to ensure that your rights are fully protected.

Don’t Waste Any More Time – Contact Our Seattle Trespassing Attorneys for a Consultation

Why is retaining a qualified Seattle legal representative in your best interests? Because to defend yourself against trespassing charges, you need to make sure that your defense is based on Seattle law – even if you feel like you were unfairly charged.

Our Seattle trespassing lawyers will help you navigate the complex waters of the state’s legal system, making the trial process easier and working to resolve your case in the most efficient way possible. In many cases involving criminal trespassing there was simply a misunderstanding between the property owner and the person who is accused, or a common case of mistaken identity. Our legal professionals have the experience needed to know where to look in each case, so that the best defense for Seattle trespassing charges can be discovered.

Contact our office today and prevent a Seattle trespassing charge from adversely affecting your future.