Criminal Trespass

Whether you're in Downtown Everett, near Jetty Island, or at Everett Community College, it is easy to get a trespassing charge in Everett. For example, you could face charges for entering a private property like a residential area or a business after hours without permission. Even hanging out at Everett Mall after closing time or being on private land without authorization can result in trespassing charges.

Trespassing is considered a serious offense in Washington state. A conviction, which could lead to fines, community service, or even jail time, will go on your criminal record, negatively impacting housing and employment opportunities. If police have charged you with trespassing in Everett, you need a skilled attorney who understands the local laws and knows how to challenge the charges. You need our Bellevue legal team.

Our criminal trespass defense attorneys are here to fight back against trespassing charges in Everett. With 20 years of experience handling criminal cases in Everett Municipal Court and Everett Superior Court, we know the local laws and procedures. Our long-standing relationships with local judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement give us a unique advantage in crafting winning defenses. Here's how our Bellevue trespassing defense lawyers can help you:

• We'll review the prosecutor's evidence and circumstances surrounding your trespassing charge, ensuring that we understand every detail of your case.
• We can challenge the evidence against you, including improper signage, unclear boundaries, or unlawful search and seizure during your arrest.
• If a conviction seems likely, we'll work to reduce penalties, such as negotiating for lower fines, community service, or a diversion program.
• Our knowledge of Everett's local courts and how they handle trespassing cases allows us to anticipate the prosecution's strategy and present the most effective defense.
• Whether it's arguing lack of intent, mistaken identity, or challenging the basis for the charge, we will craft a personalized defense strategy to achieve a positive possible outcome.
• We fight to ensure that your case doesn't affect your future employment opportunities or tarnish your reputation in our Everett community.

When facing a trespassing charge, call our attorneys. We have over 20 years of mounting successful defense against trespassing charges.

If you are charged with criminal trespass in Everett, it's important to understand the legal process and the potential consequences. The steps involved can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but the process generally follows these stages:

1. Arrest: If you trespass, law enforcement may arrest you and take you into custody. In some cases, you may receive a citation instead of being arrested and will be required to appear in Everett Municipal Court.
2. Initial Court Appearance: Shortly after your arrest or citation, you will have an initial appearance in court, during which the Snohomish County judge will inform you of the charges, and you will enter a plea. If you're facing a misdemeanor trespassing charge, the court may set a date for your arraignment.
3. Arraignment: The arraignment is your formal opportunity to enter a plea to the trespassing charge. Typically, you will plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead not guilty, the court will set a pretrial hearing or trial date. If you plead guilty, the judge will proceed with sentencing.
4. Discovery: After entering your plea, your defense attorney in Everett, specializing in trespass defense, will review all evidence including police reports, witness statements, and any photos or videos presented by the prosecution.
5. Pretrial Hearings: During this stage, your attorney may argue motions to dismiss the case, suppress evidence, or negotiate with the prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties.
6. Trial: If your case goes to trial in Snohomish County Courts, the prosecution will present evidence and witnesses to try to prove that you were trespassing. Your defense attorney will have the opportunity to challenge the evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present your defense. If the Snohomish judge finds the prosecution in Everett did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, they may dismiss the charges or acquit you of charges.
7. Sentencing (If Found Guilty): If the courts convict you of criminal trespass, the judge will proceed with sentencing. The penalties for trespassing in Everett can vary based on the severity of the offense. First-degree trespass, which involves entering or remaining unlawfully in a building or dwelling, is considered more serious than second-degree trespass, entering or remaining on private land or other locations.
8. File An Appeal (If Applicable): If you are found guilty, you have the right to appeal the conviction. Your Everett defense attorney can guide you through the appeal process and help present any relevant legal arguments.

During the legal proceedings, our Bellevue trespassing defense attorneys will protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and work toward reducing the charges or penalties you face. With our strong defense strategies, it's possible to achieve a favorable outcome in your case.

In Washington state, criminal trespass penalties vary based on the degree of the offense. First-degree trespass is a gross misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 364 days in jail, fines of up to $5,000, and possible probation or community service. On the other hand, second-degree trespass is a misdemeanor that could result in up to 90 days in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and potential community service or probation.

As local defense attorneys in Everett, you might see us around town enjoying the Everett Music Festival, exploring the views at Boeing Park, or grabbing a coffee at Antique Sandwich Company. Whether we're spending time at Northwest Stream Center, walking through the Everett Farmers Market, enjoying a day at The Flying Heritage & Combat, or spending time at Legion Memorial Park, we love going around the city. This is why we’re committed to protecting our community.

We believe that every criminal trespass charge can be successfully challenged. With over 20 years of experience handling trespassing cases in Everett Municipal Court and Everett Superior Court, our attorneys know the right defenses. You can count on us to challenge the evidence, prove a lack of intent, or dispute the facts. If you or a loved one are facing trespassing charges, our legal team is here to help. Call our Bellevue law offices now.

Basically, trespassing is being somewhere you are not supposed to be. While it might seem harmless, it is important to take these types of accusations seriously. Any type of criminal conviction can impact your ability to get jobs and even rent an apartment. Criminal trespass is broken up into two degrees.

First degree criminal trespass is a gross misdemeanor, which means the maximum penalty is 364 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. This is charged when an individual knowingly enters or remains in a building unlawfully. A common example is when someone is asked to leave a restaurant or bar and refuses to leave.

Second degree criminal trespass, instead is a misdemeanor which means the maximum penalty is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second degree criminal trespass is like first degree, except without the building. An example would include someone loitering in a non-building parking lot after previously being notified not to do so.

If you are facing a criminal trespass charge, do not hesitate to give our Everett, Washington office a call. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and discuss your options.