Annapolis Criminal Trespass Attorneys

Dedicated Annapolis Criminal Trespass Attorney on Your Side

Helping clients throughout Maryland who ended up in a place they shouldn’t have been

Trespassing is usually classified as a civil matter. However, the Maryland statute includes two circumstances where trespassing rises to a criminal misdemeanor offense. A conviction means jail time and fines, so working with an Annapolis criminal defense attorney is your best chance at keeping your freedom – and keeping a clear record.

That’s where I come in. My name is Gill Andrew Cochran, and I believe that every case deserves a comprehensive and diligent defense. If you have been charged with a criminal trespassing offense, turn to Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law to provide you with the representation you need.

What are the two types of criminal trespassing charges?

The Maryland statute recognizes two forms of trespass as criminal. Posted property trespassing involves entering a person’s property where “No Trespassing” signs are posted in a manner that is easy to see and understand. For example, a sign posted on a fence surrounding the property may qualify under this statute.

Private property trespassing occurs when the property owner instructs someone to stay off of his property, but the person intentionally enters the property again. The instructions can occur in a variety of ways. The owner’s agent, such as a store manager or property caretaker, can give a verbal instruction. The owner may also send notification by certified mail. Law enforcement officers can also notify an individual to stay off another individual’s property.

An experienced Annapolis criminal trespass attorney knows that all criminal charges are serious and consistently works in your best interests. At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I have effectively handled both types of trespass charges for my clients throughout the state.

Diligent defense in your trespassing case

Criminal trespassing is a misdemeanor offense with a potential penalty of 90 days in jail and/ or a $500 fine. Though some defendants choose to not take this charge seriously, any conviction on your record can negatively affect you and your family. Depending on your circumstances, it might just be a case of:

  • Lack of knowledge. Lots of times, people have no knowledge of the prohibition against entering the property. The signs fall down, the owner or an agent never verbally informed the defendant of the prohibition, there was never any sign in the first place: there are many options to explore.
  • Ownership. If the property is yours, you have a right to be there unless otherwise barred.
  • Coercion. If you were forced to be on someone else’s property against your will, then you could hardly be responsible for being there, right?

These are just a couple of the available defenses in a criminal trespass case. We will discuss your case in detail to determine what course of action makes the most sense for your circumstances.

If you have been charged with criminally trespassing, hire an assertive Annapolis criminal defense lawyer

At Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law, I approach every case with knowledge and skill. Every criminal conviction is serious, so I strive to make my services affordable for everyone. If you are facing criminal trespass allegations, call my office today at 410-271-1892 or complete my contact form to schedule an initial consultation.

And remember: Keep Calm – and Call Drew.